Billericay Town boss Gary Calder has issued a "come out and support us and make a noise" appeal to fans prior to tonight's Ryman League Premier Division home game with Enfield.

Victory tonight would see Town take over top spot if current leaders St Albans fail to win at Bishop's Stortford, but Calder thinks his second-placed heroes deserve better backing at New Lodge.

Said the manager: "Our away support has been tremendous this season and it was the same story at St Albans on Saturday.

"The fans got behind us very noisily and played a major part in us deservedly getting an equaliser when St Albans took the lead fairly late on. They were superb.

"Obviously the number of fans travelling away has been boosted by my son sponsoring coaches for games through his Gary Calder Racing company, allowing supporters to travel for nothing.

"However, at home it's not been quite the same level of backing, particularly when it comes to getting behind us. Last week was a typical example when we hosted Heybridge Swifts.

"It was a miserable evening weather-wise, but we certainly deserved a bigger crowd than the less than 400 there on the night. And there was no atmosphere at all -- the place was like a morgue, despite us pulling off a 2-0 win.

"I know it's our real die-hard fans who travel away, but we need as many people as possible at home games making a noise. It gives the whole side a tremendous lift."

Billericay expect to have a full squad to choose from tonight and much interest will centre on whether on-loan from Stevenage striker DJ Campbell can continue his outstanding scoring feats, having netted in each of the last three matches.

At the back, Billericay continue to boast the best defensive record in the division, having conceded only seven goals in 15 starts.

That's in stark contrast to tonight's visitors as Enfield, fourth from bottom, have let in 24 goals -- although their goals for tally of 15 is only three less than Calder's men.

Published Tuesday October 22, 2002

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