Billericay Town almost certainly put all fears of being dragged into the Ryman League Premier Division dogfight behind them with a well-deserved success over a St Albans side who went into this game in fourth place in the table.

A return to form of midfielder Justin Gentle who, along with Joe Baker, tore the home defence to shreds down the flanks in the opening half, was undoubtedly a major telling factor for Town, who should have led by more than one goal at the break.

At the back, despite being without three central rearguard men - Steve Conner, Chris Moore and Kirk Game - through injury, the Billericay defence generally kept prolific scorer Steve Clark and his fellow strikers quiet.

Billericay went ahead after only six minutes when skipper Dean Parratt fed Paul Linger on the right and the latter's cross was headed home by Gentle, who was playing against one of his former clubs.

Gentle had a shot deflected wide after 21 minutes, but it was on the 27-minute mark that Town should have made it 2-0. Steve Blaney, who has made a habit of firing in efforts from long distance in recent games, saw a 30-yard shot crash against the woodwork, but on-loan defender Jeff Woolsey headed over the bar.

Home player John Pollard had a 39th-minute header saved by Billericay goalkeeper Gavin King, but generally the first-half belonged to the visitors.

Six minutes after the interval, Chris Piper shot home the equaliser, but Billericay still generally ruled the roost.

Baker shot straight at the home goalkeeper, Noel Imber, after a good run and home defender David Pratt was forced into a timely clearance to clear another moment of danger.

When Billericay's winner came 15 minutes from time it had a touch of controversy about it. A great cross from Baker saw Colin Simpson fire home and an assistant referee signalled that the ball had crossed the line - despite the attempts by Imber and a defender to keep it out.

This confirmed that the visitors were home to three valuable points which put them five points clear of the danger zone.

With their games in hand Billericay should have no worries now and, if they can pick up some reward at Hampton and Richmond tomorrow, will then concentrate on finishing their campaign in a top-half position.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.