Early Wild strike fails to net Town all three points

BILLERICAY TOWN 1

MAIDSTONE UNITED 1

(Ryman League Premier Division)

THIS point leaves Billericay precariously placed as the relegation battle starts to hot up.

Town sit just a point outside the drop zone after throwing away a one goal lead at home to fellow strugglers Maidstone on Saturday.

The Blues made one change to the team that beat Margate during the week, with Russell Pond replacing Jacob Cleaver who dropped to the bench, as Danny Green was pushed up-front alongside James Baker with Pond starting on the right of midfield.

Both sides had their chances early on, with Maidstone's James Pinnock denied by Paul Nicholls, whilst Danny Green saw his shot blocked by a defender.

Billericay then took the lead in the 13th minute.

A short corner was played out to Green who curled his cross towards goal where Chris Wild reacted first to run past some statuesque defenders and prod the ball past Jamie Turner in the Maidstone goal.

With the pitch cutting up badly in places, the remainder of the first half was largely a scrappy affair, although Pinnock did fire over for the visitors and Green again went close for the home side.

The second half saw both teams improve their play, and it was Maidstone who struck soon after the break when Nick Barnes beat Ian Cousins before firing in a shot from a tight angle that went in via the underside of the crossbar.

Town responded by bringing on Jacob Cleaver and the youngster was only denied his second goal in a week by a superb tackle from Ashley Ulph.

Former Blue Danny Hockton tested Paul Nicholls when he broke clear, but the 'keeper made a good save.

James Baker then had the ball in the net, when he headed home a Shinn free-kick, but his celebrations were cut short by the linesman's flag.

Baker protested a decision that appeared to be marginal, but to no avail and his wait for a goal continues and the game finished all square.