Billericay Town Ladies were crowned Essex champions at New Lodge following a thrilling last-minute equaliser against White Notley.

Lisa Robins popped up with a superb turn and shot in stoppage time to clinch the 2-2 draw Billericay needed to deny the visitors a fourth title in five years.

It was Robins' 46th goal of the season and she had earlier fired them into a 15th-minute lead.

However, things looked grim for the Billericay Ladies when White Notley equalised five minutes later and then took the lead ten minutes after the restart.

The second goal was a particular blow for Billericay, who lost goalkeeper Julie Willis to an injury when the visiting player scored.

But Wendy Palmer replaced her stricken team-mate and Billericay overcome the adversity to set up a thrilling finale.

Team boss Terri Phillips said: "I am very pleased to have won this title in our first season in the Essex County Women's League."

Published Friday, May 3, 2002