BILLERICAY: Statham bemoans costly late errors

By dward

A BITTERLY disappointed Billericay Town manager Brian Statham wants his players to stop conceding late, sloppy goals in their bid to escape the Ryman League Premier Division relegation zone.

He was annoyed that on Saturday having taken a commanding two goal lead away to Ashford Town and on the verge of another win the team capitulated and allowed the home side to snatch a injury time winner.

"It was galling to say the least and a bitter pill to swallow having started so well, taken a two goal lead and looking in control of the game but we failed to capitalise on our advantage," he said. "We then allowed them back in the game before the interval to equalise but I still felt we could go on and win the game because we were playing well.

"Obviously they're doing quite well and up near the top of the league but we more than matched them in most departments so it was disappointing not to come back with three points after making such a good start."

But the side conceded injury time goals and it's the fifth time this season that has happened and in terms of points and the fight against relegation, that's costly admits Statham.

"There's no problem with our fitness or the way we are playing," he said. "I think it's all down to a lack of individual concentration and perhaps a bit of nervousness that has cost us these points.

"But I've talked to the squad and everyone is now focussed on what they all have to do to avoid any more late lapses.

"I've every confidence that we can return to the form we showed in the 2-0 home win against Hastings United the previous week.

"As always it's down to individual players to be on their game from start to finish and with many games now coming up everyone realises that we need to play like we did against Hastings and start picking up points with more consistency."

Last night the Blues were scheduled to face a really stern test when they were due to entertain runaway league leaders Dartford and on Saturday they host Harrow Borough at New Lodge in another league game before going to near neighbours Aveley on Monday.

"Yes, it's a tough programme as we know particularly with our games in hand to catch up on but the squad is strong and good enough to cope," he said. "We need to keep our concentration in every game and work together as we have been doing.

"Obviously I'm looking for maximum points from these next three league games because looking at the league table nine points would easily pull us up into mid-table for a start," Statham explained. "There's no reason why we can't achieve that and we have a full squad available with no injury worries."

In between these crucial league matches the Blues are hoping to play their much delayed Championship Manager Cup Third Round tie away to Concord Rangers tomorrow (Thursday).

"We shall be sending out a strong side which will include squad players who need a full match and also one or two of our promising younger players," he said. "You want to win every game and this is no different although obviously the league remains priority."