Billericay produced a heroic performance in near gale-force winds at New Lodge last night to dent the Ryman Premier title ambitions of second-placed St Albans.
Already without experienced men Ollie Adedeji and Andy Douglas through injury, many thought Gary Calder's men might be in trouble when experienced goalkeeper Jerome John was forced out with a groin injury.
But it was very much a case of cometh the hour, cometh the teenager as Mark Fay stepped up to put forward an assured first team debut.
Hot stuff : Richard Graham had an excellent game for Billericay last night Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY
His performance was highlighted by a superb tip over the top from ex-Football League full-back Dominic Naylor as the game moved into injury-time.
Delighted home boss Calder admitted to not only being delighted with his side's win, but also the manner of it.
He said: "I thought we passed the ball around well in far from easy conditions and fully deserved our success.
"I was really pleased for Mark. He's only 17 and it wasn't an easy night for him to come in for his debut. However, he did everything that we could have asked of him and more.
"The defence did superbly around him and all in all it was an outstanding night for the club. It certainly keeps us very much in it as far as the title race goes, but we still need to be more ruthless in our finishing."
Published Wednesday, January 29, 2003
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