BILLERICAY Town manager Craig Edwards has praised his team for "a tremendous professional performance showing great commitment and attitude" in their 2-1 home win over the Metropolitan Police on Saturday.

The win keeps Town on top of the Ryman League Premier Division and Edwards went on: "They were all fantastic for the full 90 minutes and it was an excellent performance against a very good footballing side.

"We knew it would be a tight game and we fully deserved to win but the players' individual performances was really the icing on the cake.

"Some critics say we're not winning now by bigger margins but 2-1 is just fine against that sort of opposition and crucially it's three points no matter how many you win by.

"We've only lost one game in our last six and we've collected 11 points and that's play-off form at least in anyone's book."

The manager particularly praised striker Courtney White, back in the side after a loan spell at Waltham Forest adding: "He was terrific and the loan period has done him the world of good because he's brimming with confidence.

"I just hope he becomes a bit more selfish in front of goal and takes chances instead of trying to set up others.

"I've had about five other Division One clubs already after me trying to get him on loan but he's staying where he is and I had no qualms about putting him straight into the team on Saturday.

"He'll be in again this Saturday when we entertain Hendon, who are another good side and will make it a hard game for us.

"We won't have Richard Halle, who is suspended for two games, but it opens the door to others to stake their claim."

Edwards was also full of praise for diminutive winger Harrison Chatting who made a rare start against the Police.

"He's responded excellently to my earlier criticism of him and on Saturday he was terrific and showed what a player he is and how dangerous he is going forward at defenders," he explained.

Edwards is hoping that both Jerome Sobers (groin injury) and Greg Oates (back injury) will recover in time for the Hendon game.

"As for Rob Swaine he must be doubtful because he has a muscle tear in the stomach and so we'll have to see how his recovery goes," added Edwards. "All the players though are champing at the bit and can't wait for every game which is good for the club."

Town were due to have a friendly game at Thurrock last night (Tuesday) which Edwards was using to give those that didn't play on Saturday a run out plus some of the club's younger players and one or two triallists.

"I still feel we need another forward in the squad which is an area that needs beefing up so we'll have a look at a couple and see," he said.