Star man Joe Baker weaved his magic in magnificent fashion to give the New Lodge faithful a Bank Holiday boost and their best Ryman League Premier Division win of the season.

Baker grabbed a hat-trick - two from the penalty spot - and had a hand in both other goals as Gary Calder's men inflicted an afternoon of misery on their Essex visitors, who have generally enjoyed a superb season.

Town opened their account after 22 minutes when Baker, brought down in the box by ex-Hullbridge and Billericay youngster David Kreyling, got up to fire home the spot-kick himself.

A wind-assisted cross from the left, which evaded striker Paul Piscopides but entered the net via the far post thanks to the wind, made it 2-0 for Baker and Town after 26 minutes.

Baker was just about matched for man-of-the-match honours by ever-improving youngster Gary Henty, who forced experienced Heybridge keeper Kingsley Banks to a 39th minute save.

However, the game was over as a contest in first-half injury time when Ian Wiles clearly handled in the box and Baker got his third with another penalty.

Town were threatening to run riot now and it was 4-0 on the hour when Baker's superb ball set up Henty to score.

Dominic Gentle broke clear on to Russell Penn's through ball and beat the beleaguered Banks, only to be foiled by Kreyling's goal-line clearance.

However, good play by substitute Justin Gentle, who replaced brother Dominic, and Baker after 77 minutes saw Henty smash home a second and Billericay's fifth.

Baker left the field to rapturous applause 60 seconds later, but at least Swifts had the consolation of having the final say when star striker Kris Lee, anonymous for much of the proceedings, pulled back a goal seven minutes from time.

Billericay, currently ninth but aiming to at least match last season's best ever seventh Premier spot, are next in action at Sutton United on Thursday.

(Right) On the run - Andy Tomlinson (left) shields the ball

(Left) Gary Henty (right) is congratulated on his first goal by Joe Baker (left)and Jeff Woolsey

(Below right) Derby battlers - Billericay and Heybridge compete at New Lodge

Pictures:STEPHEN LLOYD

By Dick Marshall

Reporter's e-mail: dick.marshall@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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