Billericay Town have brought back a popular former player to strengthen their squad following the £10,000 departure of Roy Essandoh and Martin Carthy to Grays.

Dean Morris is the "old boy" to return from Dr Martens League Erith and Belvedere as the New Lodge side attempt to stay in what looks certain to be the tightest Ryman Premier title race for years.

Although Billericay are down in 10th place, trailing top dogs Aldershot by 17 points with three games in hand, the Hampshire leaders have shown signs of faltering recently and were held at home by lowly Bishop's Strortford on Saturday.

And, if as many expect, Shots continue to buckle under the pressures of leading the race, second-placed Purfleet are well within Billericay's reach, being 11 points clear of Gary Calder's men from four matches more.

Having had three of their last four games postponed due to waterlogged pitches, Town are desperate to get back into action tonight with a home game against Boreham Wood scheduled (7.45pm).

Apart from Morris, tonight's Billericay squad will also include experienced Gary Ansell, who joined Town last week from Division One North Harlow.

After rain, night frost could now be the biggest danger to Billericay playing tonight but Calder said yesterday evening: "We're three or four games behind a number of our rivals and we badly want to get back into action."

For more on Ryman Premier League sides see our Ryman Premier League section

Published Tuesday, January 7, 2003

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