Billericay Town's hopes of picking up three points to ease their fears of being dragged into the Ryman League Premier Division relegation dogfight were thwarted on Saturday when they were held to a home draw by a Hendon side equally anxious to steer clear of trouble.

The New Lodge outfit, without four first team regulars, fielded two newcomers in the shape of on-loan Dagenham defenders Steve Conner and Jeff Woolsey, with the former coming to Billericay for his second spell this term.

The pair both settled in well with Conner grabbing Town's only goal of the afternoon. But with Stafford Browne out injured, and Colin Simpson continuing his recent goal drought which now stretches back seven games, the home outfit were not particularly productive on the attacking front.

Much of their danger stemmed from Justin Gentle, who was in opposition to his brother Dominic, who had an anonymous game up front for the visitors.

To be honest, Hendon lacked any real attacking ambition - particularly after they had taken the lead - and were more than satisfied with the point they collected.

Hendon probably had the better chances in the opening half with lacklustre Billericay hardly being seen as an attacking unit after Simpson went close from Joe Baker's 19th-minute centre.

The visitors were at their most dangerous in a ten-minute spell from the 29th minute.

Gary Fitzgerald had an effort tipped away for a corner by Gavin King and, three minutes later, Simon Clarke's header found the Town keeper using his feet to save.

Paul Whitehead shot over for the visitors seven minutes before the break, but Billericay retaliated when midfielder Paul Linger headed just wide.

But it was Hendon who got their noses in front two minutes before half-time when Clarke shot home from the edge of the area after Town's defence had only partially cleared a corner.

Obviously urged by the management to step up their game, Billericay almost entirely dominated the second half.

Hendon had three players booked as they battled to keep their advantage but, to the relief of most of the 471 crowd, Town got on terms 20 minutes from time.

A series of Billericay attacks ended with Conner scoring with a strong header from 14 yards following Gentle's right-wing corner.

Three minutes later Gentle went close for the homesters but, once Simpson's 77th-minute effort was kept out by a full-length save from Hendon keeper Andy Inga, a draw looked the most likely result.

Billericay stay 14th, but only five points clear of the bottom three relegation spots.

Tonight Town hope to boost their hopes of making the Ryman League Cup final when they host Division One Maidenhead United, managed by ex-West Ham favourite Alan Devonshire, in the first leg of their semi-final (7.45pm).

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