Billericay Town's first New Lodge appearance of the season gave plenty of hope to home fans.
The shield - this Billericay Town player puts his body in front of the ball Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
With ex-Heybridge Swifts man Neil Cousins collecting a hat-trick, they demolished neighbours Grays, who will be playing a level higher than them in the Conference South this term.
Ryman Premier Town never looked back from a second minute headed goal from Cousins, created by ex-Dagenham midfielder Kieran Gallacher's free-kick, and were 2-0 up before the break.
Last season's top-scorer Danny Hockton and ex Leyton Orient youngster Ross Wareham linked up well up front for Billericay in the opening half and provided the ammunition for Cousins to make it 2-0.
Soon after the break Cousins made it 3-0 from the spot when Leon Hunter was up-ended in the box.
Ex-QPR striker Bradley Allen came on as a second-half substitute and showed his class in bringing down a superb cross from Ludovic Quiston, who showed superb skills on the left, and slammed the ball home.
And Allen then turned provider to allow another half-time arrival, striker Daniel Jones, to make it 5-0.
Published Monday July 26, 2004
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