What Bill & Ricks man had to say ?

[blackballed]

Jason Broom and Grant Gordon, joint caretaker bosses at Ryman League Premier Division club Billericay Town, pulled no punches after seeing their side crumble to defeat for the first time in their five-match reign.

 

After a home win and three away draws, the duo saw their charges comprehensively outplayed by a solid rather than spectacular AFC Hornchurch outfit.

 

Billericay were second best in almost every department and Broom (pictured) was scathing in his criticism saying: "If it was me I'd be embarrassed by the performance given by some of our players.

 

"We were rarely in the game and let a good solid but not brilliant opposition have an easy three points.

 

And Gordon added: "Their midfield player, Frankie Curley, won three challenges in the build-up to their opening goal and that's the spirit we've got to show if we're going to win games.

 

"We certainly looked a tired side lacking in ideas out there. Due to injuries we've been mainly using the same side in recent games and today and it looked a game too far for us."

 

Town's injury woes are certainly having their effect with news that star marksman Joe Flack faces another six weeks out of action due to a foot tendon operation does not auger well for the immediate future.

 

At the back, Darren Blewitt is still being frustrated in his eager bid to get back into action and Lee Hodges continues to recover from a knee operation.

 

Full back Danny Kerrigan returned to the squad after a spell out injured, but the managerial pair decided to continue with the services of on-loan Jordan Collins to allow Kerrigan further time to get fully fit.

 

Others missing are broken leg midfield victim Matt Game, still some way away from a return, and first choice keeper Billy McMahon.

 

The absence of the stopper is no major blow as 17-year-old Jack Buckfield continues to deputise competently, but he had no chance with either goal here, and started a five-day trial with Coca-Cola Championship Crystal Palace on Monday.

 

 

Hornchurch ran out easy winners in the end, and manager Colin McBride certainly has a side capable of finishing well inside the top half at the first attempt - although it might be a little early for them to make the play-offs.

 

As for Billericay, it would be wrong to start ringing the alarm bells - even though this defeat sees them back in the drop zone.

 

With four away games in their next five matches, including trips to title-chasing Chelmsford City and Staines Town, they desperately need more injured stars back as soon as possible.

 

But there may not be real continuity in the club until chairman Steve Kent decides whether Broom and Gordon should have the top job permanently, at least until the end of the season, or that a new name is to be brought into the equation.

 

 

[Mach the Knife]

That seems to be a fair reflection and the Urchins midfield certainly were more penetrative than the Ricay.

Once chances were presented there was only one team going to win and with players like Curley and Boateng battling for everything, the HX lads should sew up many games like this in the coming months.

Very surprised Ricay did not play BWG up front as in my opinion that's where he is most dangerous.

Anyway, nice club at New Lodge, the PA man was excellent and I didn't win the '7' but was close.

Bar service excellent as usual and a good hospitable, as usual, welcome.

Thanks

[Baron of Black Fen]

With all those injuries, good run in the F.A. Cup and a couple of games in hand in the league, it makes the sacking of their manager even more strange.