Billericay Town may be out of the race for the Ryman League Premier Division title, but could still have a giant say in its final outcome.

Their remaining eight games include a visit to second-placed Sutton United tonight and they finish their season on May 1 with a home match against current leaders Aylesbury.

John Kendall's Billericay have already suffered two torrid outings against Sutton this season, losing 2-1 at home in the League last August and 4-0 at Sutton in the League Cup more than four months ago.

Billericay have doubts about groin injury victim Dean Parratt, a vital cog in their midfield play, tonight while central defender Chris Moore is still troubled by a back problem.

However, it would be dangerous to suggest that Sutton will enjoy a walkover this evening. They were rated very lucky to gain all three points at home to Purfleet on Saturday with two injury-time goals, including a very controversial penalty.

Also, Town have started to regain their touch in front of goal in the past week with seven in their last two games.

Much improvement on that front is due to the arrival of much-heralded striker Steve Portway, who has netted four goals in his last three games.

Sadly, Town's defence, such a major factor in their outstanding first season back in the top flight after a 12-year break, has been found wanting recently, conceding seven goals in three matches.

Town have set their stall on finishing in a top six position and Kendall points out: "We still have everything to play for if we want to achieve that aim.

"It looks as though the title is between Sutton and Aylesbury now, but from all reports Sutton did not play that well on Saturday and we'll be hoping to give them problems tonight."

One of the teams currently above Billericay, Dagenham and Redbridge, lifted themselves up to fourth place last night with a 1-0 home win over relegation threatened Dulwich.

However, Daggers will now have first-choice goalkeeper Paul Gothard, a teacher from King Edmund School, Rochford, missing for two games - including next Sunday's home clash with leaders Aylesbury.

For Gothard is in the England semi-professional international squad for next week's away match in Holland, having come on and played part of the match in the recent win over Italy.

Outnumbered - but Billericay flankman Jon Hooker, seen in action against St Albans, will be out to cause trouble for Sutton tonight

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

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