Billericay Town's own battle of Hastings will have to wait a little longer for conclusion after they fought out a 2-2 draw in their Carlsberg FA Trophy second round clash at New Lodge.

It was the visitors' first ever visit to Town - ironically they return on Wednesday to face Chelmsford City - but the Dr Martens outfit showed little signs of nerves to take the lead after just five minutes.

A classic break saw the visitors go ahead after Justin Gentle shot wide of his opponents goal.

Hastings keeper Tony Kessell distributed quickly in a move which ended with a defensive howler from Billericay's rearguard as defender-cum-striker Danny Simmonds slotted past Town's Gavin King.

The early setback spurred Town into life with the ever-industrious Joe Baker producing some fine crosses to no avail.

However, Town's committed response could have cost them when a foul by Dave Culverhouse gave Hastings a free-kick on the edge of Billericay's box, which was only kept out by the crossbar.

Billericay continued to stick to their task, however, and earned their reward when Baker connected with a fine flowing move shortly after the half-hour.

Hastings - managed by highly-experienced non-League boss George Wakeling - came out the stronger after the restart with three fine efforts in the first five minutes.

It proved third time lucky for Hastings as Simmonds, who proved a thorn in Town's side throughout the afternoon, produced the pick of the bunch with a rifled shot from a tight angle to give Hastings the lead for the second time.

Again, they failed to extend their advantage when Simmonds launched a looping shot kept out only by a goal-line headed clearance from Russell Penn.

Billericay gave themselves a lifeline in the competition when Chris Moore headed level from a Baker-won corner 15 minutes from time.

Town's latest addition, former Leicester City trialist Danny Boateng, missed a golden opportunity to settle the game when he found himself one-on one with Hastings custodian Tony Kessell but somehow managed to blaze over from 10 yards.

The Trophy replay is due at Hastings tomorrow (Tuesday) night (7.45pm), but the Sussex club's ground is reported to already be very heavy and further rain could cause a postponement.

If that happens, Town will try to stage their Essex Senior Cup third round tie with Hullbridge Sports at New Lodge tomorrow - the Schweppes Essex Senior League club having already agreed to waive home advantage as their Lower Road ground is under water.

(right) Early setback -a goalmouth scramble sees Billericay go 1-0 down against Hastings at New Lodge on Saturday

(left) On target - Billericay's ever-industrious Joe Baker found himself on the scoresheet once again in Saturday's match with Hastings.

Pictures: MAXINE CLARKE

By Stuart Hillis

Reporter's e-mail: stuart.hillis@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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