Invicta kick off the Easter weekend with a trip to Essex on Good Friday to take on promotion-chasing Billericay Town.

Ups & Downs

Just 2 point separates the top 3 in the Isthmian Premier Division, with Dartford leading the way ahead of Billericay and Horsham. All 3 are already assured of at least a playoff spot.

The race for the final 2 places was cut to just 4 teams last weekend, with Chatham and Carshalton both suffering defeats that leave them too far adrift to catch 5th-placed Cray Valley. Hashtag United face an uphill task, 9 points off the playoffs with 3 games remaining. Chichester City go into the Easter weekend 4 and 5 points behind Cray Valley and Dover respectively. They will need to close the gap this weekend to remain in contention on the final day when they will host Dover.

Bognor Regis kept their hopes of avoiding the drop alive by beating Dulwich Hamlet last weekend, leaving both themselves and Hastings United 8 points behind Dulwich with 3 games to play. The means either will be relegated should they fail to win any of their remaining 3 games, or should Dulwich take 2 points from their 3. All 3 sides play on Saturday this weekend. Hendon occupy the final relegation place and will be relegated should they fail to win and Dulwich take 3 points against fellow strugglers Canvey Island, who need 2 more points to be safe themselves.

In the National League South, Aveley have already been relegated and Welling United will join them should they fail to better Salisbury’s result. Welling host playoff-chasing Maidstone United while Salisbury travel to already relegated Weymouth. Last year’s Isthmian Premier Division playoff winners Enfield Town sit in 19th and face St Albans City on Friday, who currently occupy the final relegation place.

In the Isthmian South East Division, Ramsgate could wrap up the title with a win over the Easter weekend, travelling to relegated Hythe Town on Friday before hosting Thanet rivals Margate on Easter Monday. They currently sit 7 points clear of Sittingbourne who host 3rd place Burgess Hill Town on Friday. Margate have secured the 3rd playoff spot, leaving Merstham and Beckenham Town fighting for the final place.

Brentwood Town could secure the Isthmian North title and promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division with

Team News

Left back Nathan Green will return to contention having now served his 4-match suspension for his dismissal against Chichester City last month.

Midfielder Luke Allen has departed the club this week. We thank Luke for his efforts for the club and wish him the best for the future.

From The Manager

Jay Saunders spoke before the Good Friday trip to Essex: “I’m looking forward to the easter weekend. I know Gary [McCann] well and a few of their players too. It’s a difficult test for us, with them in the title race, but it’s one players should be looking forward to. Despite us not having much to play for we were very disappointed with the defeat last week, you never want to lose any game of football, but in a way it will help us going forward and making decisions. We are hoping we will have a few bodies back for the Easter Weekend.”

The Opposition

With 3 games to go, Billericay Town sit just 2 points from the top of the Isthmian Premier Division, chasing leaders Dartford. Billericay won the Isthmian Premier Division back in

Last 6

15/03 – Hendon (A) – Won 4-1
22/03 – Wingate & Finchley (H) – Lost 3-1
29/03 – Hastings United (A) – Won 5-1
05/04 – Cray Wanderers (H) – Lost 2-0
09/04 – Chatham Town (N) – Won 3-2 (Velocity Cup Final)
12/04 – Potters Bar Town (A) – Won 2-0

Recent Meetings

Invicta were 7 games unbeaten against Billericay until a 3-0 defeat at the Alcaline Stadium in September. Invicta are 3 games unbeaten at New Lodge, winning on both of our visits since The Blues returned to the Isthmian League in 2022, including a 3-2 win thanks to a late comeback with Ade Yusuff on the scoresheet.

Last 6

28/04/18 – Billericay 2-2 Invicta
27/08/22 – Billericay 2-3 Invicta
14/01/23 – Invicta 1-1 Billericay
11/11/23 – Invicta 1-0 Billericay
03/02/24 – Billericay 1-2 Invicta
07/09/24 – Invicta 0-3 Billericay

The Manager

Billericay Town manager Gary McCann is one of the most experienced in the Isthmian League, with 14 seasons at Hendon. After departing Silver Jubilee Park in 2018, McCann joined National League South side Hampton & Richmond for a 5 year spell before returning to the Isthmian League to take the reins of Billericay in the summer of 2023. After narrowly missing out of the playoffs last season, McCann lead his side on a title charge this campaign, with a playoff place already secured going into the final 3 games.

Key Man

After firing Hornchurch to promotion last season, Femi Akinwande returned to Billericay Town in November and has scored 14 goals in 26 appearances. Akinwande struck against Invicta for Hornchurch last season when The Urchins won 2-0 at the Alcaline Stadium.

How To Follow

Charlie Prescott and Adrian Dawkes from Seasiders Radio will be there to bring you live radio commentary from Princes Park.

Seasiders Radio is on Mixlr
You can also keep up to date with the action with updates from our X (formerly Twitter) account and live score updates are available on Football Webpages.

The Venue

Travel

Always check rail times/strike action before you travel. 

Suuporters can reach Billericay by train taking approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Chance at Stratford International to Stratford (London) where Greater Anglia serves run to Billericay.

Billericay Station is a 22 minute walk from New Lodge. Supporters can cut the trip by taking the 9 bus service from the station to London Road, then a 7 minute walk.

Admission  

Supporters can pay on the gate or buy online for this fixture.

• Adult: £13
• Concession: £8
• Young Adult (12-17): £5
• Under 12: £1