A near gale-force wind which made ball control near impossible at times failed to blow Billericay Town's bid for Ryman League Premier Division honours off course last night.

The New Lodge side climbed into joint third place with a 2-0 home derby success over Heybridge Swifts and are now just two points behind leaders St Albans.

And they will overtake the top dogs on Saturday if they can win their Ryman match of the day at the Hertfordshire side's Clarence Park home.

It has to be said that last night the home goal, at times, enjoyed something of a charmed life against opposition striker Paul Cobb.

He hit the post with a header after only four minutes, lashed a shot against an upright ten minutes after the interval, and then struck the crossbar with a superb effort with 12 minutes of the match remaining.

Cobb apart, Heybridge also forced outstanding home goalkeeper Jerome John to a good first-half save when, with the wind in their favour, lively Lewis Baillie sent in a thunderous effort.

Billericay were on top for long periods and a great ninth-minute run by Campbell, on loan from Stevenage, was only halted when the referee called play back for a free-kick when he should have played advantage.

They went ahead when Richard Graham's cross from the left, and knock back by Martin Carthy, saw Essandoh grab his fifth goal of the season with a firm shot after 25 minutes.

Billericay then sealed the win after 52 minutes when the hugely impressive Danny Kerrigan won the ball in midfield and sent Campbell clear.

The speedy striker beat his man in style before scoring from outside the box with a perfectly placed effort which gave Banks no chance.

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

Published Wednesday October 16, 2002

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