Billericay have released top-scorer Anthony Robinson after a string of poor performances.

The striker has scored six goals for Town, but has not found the net since the club’s last win at Horsham in mid-November.

The former Kettering Town man made his debut for Billericay in a draw with AFC Hornchurch on October 9.

He quickly struck up a good partnership with fellow new recruit Bertie Brayley, and played a pivotal role in a six-game winning run. But he is one of many in the side who have been out of sorts of late, and the club announced yesterday he had been released.

Manager Craig Edwards made the decision to let Robinson go after questioning the character and commitment of some of his players following Saturday’s defeat to Kingstonian.

He said: “It’s not all of them – just three or four – who I think have got to question their performances. Any manager will tell you that you learn more in defeat, than victory.

“And lately I have learnt a lot about my team.

“On Saturday I thought the back four were excellent, the keeper was excellent, and so was Micah [Hyde]. And Harrison [Chatting] has been a revelation in recent weeks – it’s been like signing a new player.

“But I need people I can rely on when things get tough if we are going to achieve what we want to achieve here.”

Billericay, who have welcomed back right-back Ryan O’Rawe to the club following a successful spell at Heybridge Swifts, will look to end their five-game losing streak when they host Ryman One north leaders East Thurrock tonight in the Essex Senior Cup.

Edwards said: “They are one of the better teams in that division and will come here full of confidence. So it’s going to be a tricky one. But we will look to play our game, and hopefully we can get the win we need to start turning things around.”

The winner of tonight’s fourth-round tie will be at home to Great Wakering in the semi-finals. Kick-off at New Lodge tonight is at 7.45pm.

Elsewhere in the competition, CONCORD host AFC Hornchurch at the Aspect Arena.

Concord joint manager Danny Cowley has revealed that top-scorer Harry Elmes rejected a double-your-money move to title-contenders Kingstonian this week.

Cowley said: “In a world where footballers often put finance above football it was really nice to see. I think Harry can see what we are trying to do here, and he has made the right decision.”

And fresh from their 6-1 demolition at Harrow Borough, CANVEY will look to bounce back as they host league leaders Sutton United at the Brockwell Stadium.

A win for the Gulls would move them up to ninth in the Ryman Premier table.

And it is an equally tough assignment for GREAT WAKERING as they host title-contenders Needham Market at Burroughs Park.

Striker Ross Wall is expected to make his debut for Rovers after joining them from Ryman Premier side, AVELEY.

Elsewhere in the division, TILBURY will take heart from their narrow defeat to Needham on Saturday, when they travel to derby rivals Brentwood tonight.