Crunch time for Blues

BILLERICAY Town face two crucial games within the next three days that will decide their fate in the Ryman League Premier Division.

Town face fellow strugglers Carshalton Athletic tomorrow (Thursday), in a hurriedly rearranged game postponed from last Saturday, and this Saturday they go to basement side Waltham Abbey.

Six points from these two games should see the Blues home and dry from any relegation worries and they did their cause no harm on Easter Monday by beating local rivals AFC Hornchurch 2-0 at home in a tough game in which the visitors struck the Blues' woodwork.

Stand-in manager John Mifsud, who has moved up to take charge for the rest of the season, said he was pleased with the response of the players and their total commitment in Easter Monday's game.

"Everyone worked hard and showed great character to get the win which was crucial," he said afterwards. "We've now two more games in quick succession to get more points and escape from any worries of relegation."

Town, now six points clear of the relegation zone, had to be grateful for a five star performance from goalkeeper Paul Nichols who kept a clean sheet on Easter Monday.