TOWN HAVE JULIAN TO THANK FOR TOP SPOT

BILLERICAY TOWN 1 CLOUCESTER CITY 0

BILLERICAY moved two points clear at the top of the table as Moses Emmanuel’s first-half goal proved enough in a tight battle with Gloucester City.

But the hosts were indebted to a fine second-half performance from goalkeeper Alan Julian.

The home side started brightly and thought they took the lead on eight minutes when Jake Robinson's looping header found the net, though the flag was up.

Town dominated the first third of the game and Robinson's pace created two further openings that produced good saves from Andy Hannah.

Town took the lead on 40 minutes when Alfie Pottes’ cross was half cleared to Robinson, whose shot was saved, but fell to Emmanuel who rifled home.

The visitors came out strongly for the second half, producing two early saves from Julian – the first from a strong header by Ben Seymour and soon after from a shot by Joe Parker.

Town's best chance came from a Kennedy free kick blocked again by Hannah with the follow up also blocked.

City pressed hard in the final minutes, a cross from Fabien Robert hit the bar and Julian again saved his team when Jake Mawford headed goalwards, before the same man hit the post moments later. STAR MAN: Alan Julian (B’cay) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★