Billericay Town break losing streak to ease past 9th tier Leverstock

Billericay Town fell a goal behind to the team who ply their trade in the Spartan South Midlands Football League Premier Division, but four second half goals booked their place in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round.

Chris Blunden netted a penalty after a goalless first half to get the visiting support dreaming, but it was just moments later the hosts levelled things up thanks to a free kick from Alfie Cerulli.

The 21-year-old has spent time at Hemel Hempstead Town and Braintree Town, as well as short spells in the Sunderland and Colchester United academy setup.

With all of this experience at a higher level, it is perhaps unsurprising it was Cerulli again as he tapped home a rebound from John Ufuah’s effort.

Oftentimes the difference between levels can be a mixture of fitness, ability and calmness in possession. In this instance, it was the latter which cost Leverstock, as a defensive miscalculation led to former Charlton Athletic striker Chris Dickson tapping home to double the cushion.

The 37-year-old rounded off an excellent second half performance with a fourth goal to seal the Blues’ spot in the hat for the next round of qualifying for the FA Cup.

Danny Brown’s side will await confirmation of their opponents as they look to reach the First Round for the first time since 2019.

Before they continue their quest for cup glory though, they will look to settle a local affair in the Isthmian League with AFC Hornchurch.

As for Leverstock, the tough tests keep coming as they travel to Bishop’s Stortford in the first round of the Hertfordshire Senior Cup.

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