Billericay Town Determined to Make Second Chance Count in Play-Off Semi-Final
Billericay Town missed out on the Isthmian Premier Division title by a single goal on Saturday, despite securing a convincing 4-2 victory over Cheshunt United at New Lodge. However, the team is now focused on making the most of their second chance at securing promotion, as they host Dover Athletic in the semi-finals of the play-offs this evening.
According to a report by the Echo News, Billericay manager McCann is determined to make the most of the opportunity. “We live to fight another day,” McCann told the club’s YouTube channel. “We need to regroup, re-energise and get ourselves ready for another tough battle.”
Billericay finished second in the standings with 87 points from 42 games, while Dover Athletic finished fifth with 76 points. McCann has done everything in his power to prepare his team for the one-legged semi-final, including analysing Dover’s recent performances. “We analysed their fixture and made sure we watched that back,” said McCann. “They had a great win at Chichester on Saturday. It’s not an easy place to go, and I can honestly stand here and say I expected Chichester to get the result.”
Dover Athletic have been in good form of late, having been beaten just once in their last seven games. McCann expects the Kent club to be a tough opponent this evening. “It will be a really tough game,” said McCann. “They have a potent front three, and we know that from their goalscoring and assists stats. They’re three really strong players, but I don’t think many teams in the division would relish coming to New Lodge at any time, especially in the play-offs.”
The home team is expected to be supported by a bumper crowd of over 3,000 fans, who will undoubtedly create a lively atmosphere at New Lodge. McCann was full of praise for the fans, who have been a driving force behind the team’s success this season. “To get over 3,000 in created an unbelievable atmosphere, and they were brilliant,” said McCann. “It was breathtaking the noise they were making, and they were outstanding. I’m sure they will be right behind us against Dover too now.”
In the context of the play-offs, Billericay Town have a good recent record against Dover Athletic, having drawn 1-1 at New Lodge in August before securing a 1-0 win at the Crabble Athletic Ground in late December, courtesy of a goal from Montel McKenzie. The other semi-final sees Dartford hosting Cray Valley PM, with the winners going on to face either Billericay or Dover in Monday’s final. Should Billericay triumph this evening, they will also be at home for the final.
As reported by the Echo News, Billericay Town’s determination to make the most of their second chance at promotion is clear. With a tough opponent in Dover Athletic, the team will need to be at their best to secure a place in the final. The match is set to be a closely contested affair, with both teams eager to progress to the next stage of the play-offs.
The play-off semi-final between Billericay Town and Dover Athletic is a crucial match for both teams, with the winners securing a place in the final and a chance to secure promotion to the next tier of English football. The Echo News will be providing updates on the match and its aftermath.
For more information on Billericay Town’s season, visit: https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/25127321.billericay-town-aim-make-second-chance-win-promotion/.
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