With two tremendous goals from former Island player Gary Ansell, Christmas arrived at Easter for Billericay Town fans yesterday as their side beat local rivals Canvey for the first time in nearly three years.

Ansell, son of former Gulls' striking hero Ray, put the home side ahead after 21 minutes when on-loan Hornchurch man Chris Stowe, who gave the visiting rearguard a difficult time throughout, sent over an inch perfect cross which his strike partner met with an equally impressive header.

Heading for the front - Gary Ansell stoops to head home Billericay's first goal Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Canvey fears that they might be forced into action without a recognised central defender due to injuries proved groundless when Ben Chenery was passed fit after being stretchered off at home to Chesham on Saturday and Micky Bennett returned after missing the weekend game with tight hamstrings.

At the other end of the field, on a bone-hard surface, Canvey were never able to find the shooting form that has seen them well ahead of the rest in the goals for tally and just three short of their 100 for the Ryman Premier League season at the start of this game.

When they were on target, they found a Billericay defence, in which Ollie Adedeji and Russell Penn were solid as rocks, in impressive form and goalkeeper Jerome John virtually unbeatable behind them.

Just before the break top Ryman goal star Lee Boylan was foiled by John at the near post and, soon after the restart, had a shot blocked only for Steve Parmenter put the rebound tamely wide.

Lee Protheroe came on as substitute to demonstrate his deadly set-piece kicking for Gulls, but saw his left-side free-kick turned wide by John, but Canvey got on terms when the inexperienced Jimmy Eastwood brought down Gregory in the box and Boylan cracked home his 41st goal of the season from the penalty spot.

Boylan was foiled by John's legs and Ollie Berquez finished poorly when well placed, but this was to be Billericay's day, a point emphasised when Canvey's failure to clear a free-kick from the left saw Ansell crack home an unstoppable shot from outside the box.

Billericay boss Gary Calder said: "I couldn't have asked for more from the players and I was delighted for the band of fans who have stuck with us so well during a very difficult couple of months."

For more on Ryman Premier League sides see our Ryman Premier League section

Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo