After starting the season with an unbeaten run of four games, Billericay have hit a rough patch in their Ryman Premier campaign.

After losing top spot to hosts Yeading with Saturday's defeat, they had little to cheer home fans in a good Bank Holiday crowd at New Lodge yesterday as they lost 3-0 to Leyton.

Defensive failings played a major part in this setback with Roy Parkyn's free-kick from a deep position on the right ending up in the net after 15 minutes when everyone stood and watched it.

Parkyn again caused trouble with a set-piece on the half-hour, Mark Sophocleous this time being left free to shoot home from 10 yards.

Despite losing midfielder Kieran Gallacher through injury, Billericay did their best to make amends for their slip-ups before the break by twice hitting the woodwork.

First Ross Wareham put goal-king Danny Hockton through for an effort which looked set for the net all the way until it hit the bar.

Then, in their best move of the match, involving Neil Cousins and Jamie Dormer, a Leon Hunter shot hit the post.

Billericay thought they had a good shout for a penalty turned down when Dormer appeared to be clipped in the box, but anguished fans were dismayed when they saw an assistant referee waving an offside flag.

Leyton killed the game when Chris Bangura again left a home rearguard ball-watching to ram home the third.

Published Tuesday August 31, 2004

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