Billericay Town's bid for a high finish in the Ryman Premier Division faces a tough challenge tonight when they go to Bishop's Stortford.

For their Hertfordshire hosts, currently third from bottom, are engaged in a desperate bid to escape relegation.

Recently boosted by the arrival of ex Southend United favourite Scott Forbes, on a month's loan from Canvey, Stortford did their hopes of escaping the drop a power of good on Saturday with a 1-0 win at fellow strugglers Hitchin.

Billericay have not found life easy against Stortford this term, only being saved by an outstanding display from goalkeeper Jerome John in a 1-1 home League draw and being knocked out of the Bryco Cup by them in an away replay following a sharing of the spoils at New Lodge.

Stortford have recently transfer-listed two of their first team squad, ex Grays favourite Vinnie John and 22-year-old Russell Williamson, who made 30 first team appearances for Southend earlier in his career.

Both men were involved in Saturday's victory with John grabbing the vital goal.

Billericay are currently ninth in the table and saw a five match unbeaten League run come to an end when they lost 2-0 at home to Kingstonian on Saturday. However, they have matches in hand on most of the teams above them and a top six placing is well within their capabilities.

There are unlikely to be many changes in the Billericay line-up tonight as Danny Gilley and Jamie Wallace are unlikely to have recovered from knocks.

Published Tuesday, February 25, 2003

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