Although they go into the game on the back of a 3-0 home defeat by local rivals Canvey on Boxing Day, Billericay Town have high hopes of ending their run of eight games without a win at New Lodge tomorrow.

For the visitors in the Ryman League Premier Division are a Hendon side who are currently hovering just above the relegation zone in 16th place -- and have had a particularly bad time on opposition territory.

In fact the North Londoners have won just twice in ten Ryman starts away from home, losing on seven other occasions, and have managed just ten goals in the process.

After a particular barren spell, Gary Calder's Billericay have shown renewed spirit in their last three games and draws with Maidenhead and Grays were followed by that Bank Holiday clash with the Islanders, which attracted a 1,408 crowd.

Losing to a Canvey side who have defeated Nationwide League teams Wigan and Northampton in a 26-match unbeaten run was certainly no disgrace.

One man who will almost certainly soon make his mark in a Town shirt is experienced striker Steve Darlington. The one-time Farnborough favourite signed from Chesham in time to make his debut against Gulls and got into some great scoring positions without being able to finish with the quality he's displayed for much of his career.

That will surely come with more match practice for Darlington, who showed signs of linking up well with fellow striker KK Opara before the latter was sent-off.

Another man who is quickly making himself a favourite with the New Lodge faithful is French defender Sasha Opinel, who also caught the eye in Wednesday's game.

Billericay won 3-1 at Hendon in the second game of the season and, if they can repeat this success tomorrow, will complete a Ryman double over them for the second season running.

Published Friday December 28, 2001