Following Saturday's pulsating 3-3 draw at Clarence Park these two sides met again for a place in the next round of the FA Trophy away to Chelmsford City. The home side, looking to book a local derby in next round, started the better and it was no surprise when on 9 minutes they took the lead as Junior Luke's run down the left wing and drilled cross across the box was smashed home at the far post by Webber for a 1-0 lead. Billericay continued to dominate and threatened to increase their lead. Luke and Benjamin were giving the St Albans back line a headache as they continued to cause problems. The only chance the away side could muster was right on half time when Saints full back Chappell's effort on goal was cleared off the line by Town defender Beaven to keep the score at 1-0. The second half was a different story however as St Albans came out with more purpose and with the half time team talk's still ringing in the players ears Saints captain Comley equalised on 48 minutes beating Lumley to his left for 1-1. This galvanized the away side and it looked as if they would go on to score again. However Billericay were awarded a free kick out on the right hand side of the penalty area on 58 minutes and from the free kick Billericay centre back Scott touched home at the near post past Bastock to give the home side the lead once again for 2-1. Then it was Billericay who looked like they would put the game to bed as they took control once again. However this topsy turvy cup tie was to have more twists and turns. On 77 minutes Lumley pulled off a great save to deny the Saints an equaliser and then from the resulting corner they hit the bar and from the next corner on 78 minutes they did manage to equalise as forward Bailey got across his marker to head in at the near post for 2-2. The remainder of normal time did not produce a goal although Billericay came closest to nicking a win when substitute Sappleton had a free header about six yards out but mis-timed it and Bastock claimed the ball easily. Into extra time then and both sides created a guilt edged chance each. First St Albans in the 105th when Lumley in the Town goal produced a point blank save to keep the score at 2-2 and then in the second period of extra time Sappleton again found himself unmarked at the back post but totally mis-kicked his volley. Saints had substitute Locke sent off for a dangerous tackle in the 108th minute but neither team could force a winner as the game went to penalties. Billericay missed their first penalty to put them on the back foot and after the next five penalties were successful Billericay missed again leaving The Saints the chance to win it and they duly scored giving them a 4-2 victory on penalties and ending what was a epic cup tie which gave the 201 crowd something to remember on their journies home. A very enjoyable evening of football indeed.
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