Billericay finally won the battle of Hastings last night (Tuesday) . . . and will now be hoping that it continues to be a case of "good old Sussex by the sea" when they visit Bognor Regis in the third round of the FA Umbro Trophy early in the new year.

Having drawn at home to Dr Martens League eastern division Hastings in the original second-round tie more than two weeks ago, Billericay had seen the scheduled replay washed out due to the Sussex club's pitch being waterlogged.

However, it proved a case of third time lucky as Hastings survived a lunchtime pitch inspection and the visitors triumphed through goals from Joe Baker - his fourth in three matches - and Justin Gentle.

With Danny Boateng unavailable, Town started the game with something of a lightweight attacking force of Simon Spencer and Baker, but dominated the early stages and took a tenth-minute lead when Baker converted from the penalty spot after Spencer was clearly fouled in the area.

Top scorer Paul Linger and Baker might have added to Billericay's advantage, but the game swung back in the home side's direction after 25 minutes when Town defender Dave Culverhouse was stretchered off with a thigh gash.

The visitors brought on Gary Henty but, spurred on by a vocal crowd, Hastings took charge in the resultant reshuffle in the latter stages of the opening half and the first period of the second.

They grabbed a 35th minute equaliser through Paul Ruddy's header, but Billericay again moved into the ascendancy when, midway through the second half, Justin Gentle came on for tireless worker Spencer.

Lee Williams moved into the middle to partner Baker up front with Gentle taking over down the left flank. However, it was a run down that side by Baker which set-up Town's priceless winner some 11 minutes from time - Gentle earning himself the title of supersub with a fine right foot finish.

From that point on there was only one winner and Ryman Premier side Billericay will fancy their chances of at least matching last season's best ever Trophy performance of reaching round four by beating Division One strugglers Bognor when the two sides meet on January 13.

In the meantime, this second successive 2-1 away success will give Gary Calder's men heart for two key Essex derbies over the Christmas holiday - at home to Canvey on Saturday (3pm) and away to Heybridge Swifts on Boxing Day (11am).

By Dick Marshall

Reporter's e-mail: dick.marshall@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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