Another late goal but it was enough for Town to win and go top of the Ryman League Premier Division on Tuesday evening, a position they are guaranteed over the weekend as the division's teams take part in FA Trophy matches.

Manager John Kendall brought in new signing Steve Parmenter to the left of midfield in place of the injured Chris Payne.

With Paul Battram evidently out for some little while, the introduction of new talent at this stage was just what was required. Parmenter, made up in determination and strength for what he might have lacked in trickery when compared to Payne.

And while the newcomer just missed recording a debut goal, he laid on the pass that led to Town's opening goal to stake an early claim on the home fans' affections.

Town were soon into the game and had a Parmenter cross some four feet parallel to the goal line from the left and a Jon Ridout shot from distance parried wide for a corner to show for their efforts.

Hendon inspired by Freddie Hyatt in midfield and by Lewis up front, always looked dangerous.

It was just inside the second period before the initial strike came.

Those tardy to their places for the new half would have missed a truly delightful build up which made it difficult for those not involved in the move to decide who precisely to congratulate first.

Leon Gutzmore kept possession to the left in front of the Supporters' Club stand and threaded the ball to Parmenter.

The Hendon defence got sucked to their right and Parmenter spotted St Hilaire unattended towards the middle of the goal. A teasing pass and all St Hilaire had to do, was to crash the ball home.

On 55 minutes Lewis turned brilliantly to put the ball past Root, a corner from the left having been centred by the head of Mark Pye.

Root then saved brilliantly to push a header over on 71 minutes and McCann did superbly to push a floating St Hilaire ball over on 84.

Town found that bit extra in the closing minutes and it was this period that was to separate the two sides.

A string of corners directed the game Town's way but the best chance seemed to have gone when a Moore effort from close in somehow contrived to be cleared despite the close attentions of Gutzmore.

Then, with two minutes of play left, these being well into added time, Town won yet another corner. Dean Parratt floated the ball over, near the goal and dropping.

There Adekola got the headed touch that was to beat McCann and give Town victory as referee Mr Stoneham, who had last officiated at New Lodge in last season's final game when promotion was secured, blew the final whistle.

Billericay Town: Root, Goldstone, Davidson, Moore, Waters, St Hilaire, Ridout, Parratt, Adekola, Gutzmore and Parmenter (Blaney).

Attendance: 446.

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