Free-scoring Steve Portway has been released amid new Billericay boss Gary Calder's shake-up - because the striker's "wage demands were too high for what he was showing in return".

Calder - who is pruning his squad, but still bringing players in - saw midfielders Dean Parratt and Kieren Adams notch match-sealing First-half goals in Saturday's friendly defeat of Ryman League Division Three newcomers Great Wakering Rovers.

Then he said: "I'm talking to a possible new defender on Tuesday and have spoken to another possible signing, Paul Inger.

"I got the squad down to about 15 on Saturday and I've not been happy enough with what I've seen from Steve Portway to pay what he is asking for."

Great Wakering, meanwhile, were quietly satisfied after following up their 3-0 loss against Division One Romford with a narrower loss against a Premier Division side who beat First Division Grays 6-1 last Thursday.

New Rovers' centre-half Micky Monroe, who joins from former Schweppes Essex Senior League rivals Basildon United, featured at the weekend, but ex-Hullbridge forward Khan Stevens is on holiday.

The third recruit, Steve Crane - now a policeman after being a fringe player at Football League Division Three side Torquay United - has been unavailable so far.

Rovers secretary Roger Sampson said: "Considering it was only our second friendly, things are looking promising."

Rovers visit Canvey-based Concord Rangers on Tuesday night, when Billericay visit Aveley.

Calder, one of the highest-rated managers in the Ryman League, especially after reviving Enfield to fifth place last term, said: "We've got a few little injuries and there are certain areas of the team that I'm still looking to strengthen."

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