Billericay Town centre back David McSweeney was full of smiles after "proving a point" against his former Southend United side last night.

Over the top - Southend goalscorer Drewe Broughton gets in a tangle with Billericay goalkeeper David McCarthy Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

The 22-year-old defender netted a second half header to cancel out Drewe Broughton's early opener as the hard-working New Lodge outfit held Southend to a well deserved 1-1 draw.

"I've got nothing against Southend, but it's always nice to score against an old team. It felt really sweet," said Basildon-born McSweeney.

"Although it was only a pre-season game I felt I had a point to prove and I wanted to show I was still good enough to play league football."

McSweeney added he expects to join Town in the next few days after producing another pleasing performance. "We're still having talks, but hopefully things will be sorted out soon," he said.

"It's a great little club which is ambitious. I only live around the corner and we could do really well this season."

But it was the Shrimpers who started the stronger of the two sides last night as Drewe Broughton fired the visitors into a fourth-minute lead -- chipping Che Wilson's through ball over David McCarthy from 20 yards.

Billericay striker Bradley Allen then embarrassingly headed a six-yard effort over the Seasiders cross bar before Adam Barrett nodded Michael Kightly's left wing cross straight at McCarthy.

After the break, impressive Blues youth team midfielder Max Porter lashed a well-struck 25 yard shot inches wide of the left post before Billericay began to exert their own dominance.

As a result, with 71 minutes on the clock, they deservedly drew level as two Southend old boys combined as McSweeney leapt high to head Michael Black's right winger corner over the head of Darryl Flahavan from 10 yards.

Published Tuesday July 27, 2004

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