Friday night's all-Essex clash went the way of Purfleet, who recorded a stunning victory at New Lodge.

With three goals in five matches before this clash, it has not been difficult to see where Purfleet's problems have arisen from. But a brace from John Keeling shadowed all of those problems and may spring home for the remainder of the Thurrock side's league title challenge.

Keeling hit a spectacular first on 16 minutes, thumping a 25-yard drive beyond the despairing dive of Jerome John.

That lead wasn't to last however, as Jamie Wallace celebrated his continued run in the first-team with a headed equaliser.

Wallace went close again soon after, with Mark Graham pushing forward from midfield to provide another dangerous attacking outlet for Billericay where needed.

Purfleet haven't gained their defensively mean tag without cause however, and it soon appeared obvious their intent to suffocate the hosts' forward play, attacking route-one and at pace on the counter.

And just after the restart, they were gifted the perfect opportunity to restore their advantage. A movement on the edge of the box appeared to have come to nothing, but Lee Williams' error put Keeling in to bag his, and Purfleet's, second.

With a hat-trick in the offing, Keeling then stung goalkeeper John's palms, while at the other end Alex O'Reilly tipped Martin Carthy's header over the bar at full stretch as Billericay tried to find a way back into the game.

Purfleet's passage into the 2nd Round was made safe three minutes from time as John pulled down the advancing Terry Bowes in the box.

Paul Linger capped a quietly impressive display by despatching the spot-kick and Purfleet were through.

Published Sunday November 3, 2002