Match Preview
Billericay Town vs Hastings United
Stadium: New Lodge (Capacity: 5,000)
Table Position: 11th*
Top Scorers: Alfie Cerulli (9)
Manager: Dan Brown
Nicknames: The Blues, Ricay
2022/23 average attendance: 627
*Subject to change dependant on result between Carshalton Athletic vs Margate on Monday 31st October
Stadium: The Pilot Field (Capacity: 4,050)
Table Position: 8th
Top Scorers: Ben Pope (4)
Manager: Gary Elphick
Nicknames: The U’s
2022/23 average attendance: 964
Tuesday night sees two in form sides go head-to-head at New Lodge as Billericay Town entertain Hastings United.
Ricay made it four wins in a row on Saturday as a 37th minute Chris Dickson strike twinned with a second half brace from John Ufuah sealed a 3-1 FA Trophy victory over fellow Isthmian Premier Division outfit Haringey Borough.
The Blues have proved to be a tricky team to face for away sides this season. Dan Brown’s men are unbeaten in six on home turf; not losing at New Lodge since August when Folkestone Invicta came from 2-0 down to triumph 3-2.
Despite this solid home record Billericay goalkeeper Harry Seaden is still yet to keep a home clean sheet with the Essex side conceding in every game on their own patch this term.
Just like Billericay, Hastings United were also victorious in the FA Trophy on Saturday. The Us were able to defeat Burgess Hill 4-2 courtesy of a Ben Pope brace twinned with strikes from Alex Brefo and Chinedu McKenzie.
Whilst Billericay have an impressive home record of late their opponents from East Sussex have been solid on their travels.
Coming into Tuesday’s clash Gary Elphick’s side are four games unbeaten on the road with their last two away games being 4-0 and 3-0 wins against Wingate & Finchley and Herne Bay respectively.
In contrast to Billericay’s lack of home clean sheets, Hastings have shut out the opposition five times on their travels this term - not conceding an away goal in four games.
Furthermore, the U’s are also able to boast having the second-best away record in the division this campaign.
Key Players
Bradley Stevenson
A former Hastings United midfielder Bradley Stevenson has EFL and step two experience to his name, and that has been apparent in what has been a strong start to the season for the 24-year-old.
Stevenson started his career with Gillingham where he made a handful of Papa John’s Trophy appearances for the Gills.
During his time at Priestfield, Stevenson had loan spells with: Hastings, Cray Wanderers, Tonbridge Angels and Margate before his release in 2019.
Since departing Gillingham Stevenson has gone onto represent Herne Bay, Chelmsford City and Welling. Last season Stevenson helped Welling stay in the National League South at the expense of his current club.
In the summer Stevenson joined Billericay from Welling and so far, the midfielder has netted eight goals.
Louis Rogers
Hastings United have the second-best defensive record in the Isthmian Premier Division and that is largely down thanks to goalkeeper Louis Rogers.
The 24-year-old has been solid so far this campaign for the U’s notching up seven clean sheets in the league and an additional shutout in a 0-0 FA Trophy draw at the Metropolitan Police.
Previously in his career Rogers has also represented AFC Uckfield Town.
They’ve Played for Both
Bradley Stevenson
As mentioned previously Stevenson is a former Hastings midfielder that currently represents Billericay.
When with Gillingham, Stevenson enjoyed two loan spells at The Pilot Field.
The 24-year-old joined Ricay from Welling United in the summer.
Clark Masters
Photo: Getty Images
35-year-old goalkeeper Clark Masters has also represented both Billericay and Hastings.
Born in Hastings, Masters started his career at Brentford where he spent time on loan at the likes of AFC Wimbledon and Slough Town.
In 2010 Masters joined the U’s making 15 appearances for his home town club.
Following his time at Hastings, Masters also represented: Barrow, Eastbourne Borough, Havant and Waterlooville, Tonbridge Angels and Sidley United prior to joining Billericay in November 2021.
Form
Billericay Town
W – 2-0 vs Margate (H) - FA Cup
W – 3-1 vs Wingate & Finchley (A)
W – 3-2 vs Bognor Regis Town (H)
W – 3-1 vs Haringey Borough (A) - FA Trophy
Hastings United
W – 4-0 vs Wingate & Finchley (A)
W – 3-0 vs Herne Bay (A)
L – 1-2 vs Potters Bar Town (H)
W – 4-2 vs Burgess Hill Town (H) - FA Trophy
My Prediction: Billericay Town 1-2 Hastings United
By Nathan Williams
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