Billericay 1 Heybridge 2

[jl]

This was a desperately disappointing result in a game which we dominated for long periods. Hockton was out injured and rather surprisingly Redders was dropped for Polsten.

 

We completely dominated the first half with Andy Jones going closest on the stroke of half time. We deservedly took the lead just after the break with Gary Ansell continuing his fine recent scoring form with a good header. The turning point was a crucial goal line clearance from the heybridge 3 (both their fullbacks made a number of crucial challenges all game) and heybridge promptly went up the other end and scored (Russell Williamson - How predictable was that!!). You could see the confidence evaporate from our lads and I dont think anyone was surprised when Heybridge scored again after a mistake by Polsten. We didnt give up tho and still had time to hit the bar in dying seconds with a cross from marlon.

 

the game was marred by a bad tackle on jamie dormer which led to him being stretchered off, although to be fair I thought the ref was one of the better ones we have had this season.

 

Once again we have snatched defeat from the jaws of something better and its beginning to get on my goat that we still dont seem to have the belief. I think one of the main problems this year is that we havent had a settled back four since day 1. Let's just pick em and stick with em please.

 

Having seen the league table I'm not quite as suicidal as I was last night but it's clear that anything less than 6 points in forthcoming games against northwood and aylesbury will put us in a virtually impossible position.

[GazzaBTFC]

I agree with that. We were by far the better team but two mistakes at the back and what looked like 3 points to us returned 3 to Heybridge.

 

The difference between the team before the Tilbury game and us now is that we don't give up like we used to and we are certainly playing better, more confiendent football...It will come, I'm sure.

[Andy Walsh]

I agree that next week's game is vital. We need to win so that we aren't too far adrift. Northwood have lost their last 3 games and are on poor form. It's good to see that the lads don't give up as they are going to need to carry on like that if we are going to escape the drop.

 

www.billericaytownfc.20m.com

[c'mon ricay]

I thought we deserved at least a point as Heybridge really didnt start playing well until they scored their first goal. Their fought well and never looked like they were going to give up.

[paulc27]

i thought the first half was some of the most determind play we have produced, I even saw leon win at least 6 tackles. Infact, we never looked like we were missing hockers in the first half.

I think one big difference is that heybridge have been used to grinding out results down the bottom of the league for a few seasons now and once we got our goal we showed no composure and allowed heybridge to claw their way back.

Ironic that it was russ williamson who scored. Why we let him go after only 3ish games is a mystery and the lad has now scored 3 in 3 for heybridge. Unless they were other reasons as to why he left, i feel that this was a bad move from justin in letting a lad of his pace and skill go. I thought KK played well in the second half and caused us a few problems at the back. I still cannot believe how, after that first half performance we came away with nothing.

gutted.

[ray bellici]

I don't rue the 'transfer' of Williamson, ok he scored a goal and had another decent strike but that was it, he's in the same mould as S.Jones, we don't need two of them. I had to laugh at his extravagant goal celebration, he's been watching too much TV, who the effing hell is he?

Dormer was having a stormer until that 'tackle'. Hope he gets fit soon, probably the best midfield performance by anyone this season.

 

Decent team performance, deserved the points, strange one Polsten for Reddington.

[Ryan.c]

Probably sums up our season this game. Controlled most of it, created chances but failed to take them, then some bad defending costs us at the back and we find ourselves on the back foot. Even then we manage to hit the woodwork twice, cleared off the line and thier keeper seems to have six arms! And of course not forgetting that we can't pick our strongest side due to injury. Think we are in desperate need of some kind of ball-winner in the centre of midfield, if we can get someone to fill that role then I remain confident we will start to move up the table.

[Simon BTFC]

Agree with most of what's been already said...

 

A few points though...

 

Corners. According to Len "Statinhio" Dewson the corner count in the first half was 9-0 in our favour. Unfortunately the delivery of most left much to be desired, particularly from the right flank. Obviously with Blackie taking the corner responsibilities there, he's yet to get to grips with the cramped space in the corner nearest the turnstiles but would suggest this is something that needs to be worked on as we missed a trick on Saturday.

 

Tactics. The way Heybridge were set up is to scrap away for points, something we don't seem to be able to do. Their midfield in particular was pretty adept at dropping back to help out the defense to the extent that a lot of the time there were a good half dozen Heybridge shirts in the vicinity of the box. They then looked to attack on the counter which brought them both of their goals.

 

Hope that that doesn't all sound too negative because it was a pretty useful performance, we passed the ball pretty well first half. We missed Hockton's pace and It'll be a major concern if he has to spend a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Dormer was excellent again until his game was ended by the studs of their striker.