SUBSTITUTE Billy Bricknell slotted home a late penalty to earn Bostik League leaders Billericay Town a 1-1 draw at Brightlingsea Regent tonight.

The R’s looked on course for a memorable victory when top-scorer Billy Hunt steered them into the lead three minutes into the second half, at the Taydal Stadium.

However, top-of-the-table Billericay secured a share of the spoils after the referee spotted a foul on the edge of the box and Bricknell coolly converted from the spot in the 77th minute.

The result put Billericay three points clear at the top of the table, extending their lead over second-placed title rivals Dulwich Hamlet.

Billericay had the better chances in the first half, with R’s keeper James Bradbrook denying Liam Hughes and Calum Butcher twice.

Jake Robinson volleyed over and screwed another effort wide of the far post, after connecting with a ball in from Ricky Modeste.

Brightlingsea had their moments, too, and Ricky Griggs’ pile-driver tested Alan Julian’s reactions.

Aaron Condon then surged forward at the end of the first half before unleashing a low shot that tested the keeper again.

There was high drama at the start of the second half as Bradbrook made a brilliant save to deny Robert Evans - tipping his 20-yard effort onto the bar - while at the other end Griggs' scorching effort took a deflection and was palmed onto the woodwork by Julian.

Regent’s precious goal then followed after 48 minutes.

Matt Cripps’ volley from a corner was blocked and with the visitors failing to clear their lines, Hunt pounced to break the deadlock.

It was his 23rd goal of a fantastic season and followed hot on the heels of a brace in Monday’s 2-0 victory against Lowestoft Town.

Substitute Brandan Ocran volleyed over as Billericay pushed for a leveller, in front of the bumper crowd of 452.

And it duly arrived 13 minutes from time, courtesy of Bricknell’s penalty, after a foul by Cripps.

Regent remain 19th in the table heading into two more home games in quick succession, against Harrow Borough on Saturday and Leatherhead on Tuesday.

Tonight's point officially confirms that they cannot be relegated and will play step three football again next season.

Elsewhere, HEYBRIDGE SWIFTTS were in division north action at home to Aveley and won 3-0.

Luke Callander got the ball rolling before a quick-fire second-half double from Juan Luque.