With Iain Duncan, Steve Heard and Neil Selby added to an increasing injury list, Kevin Davies returned to attack to replace Selby and Scott Honeyball (brother of Danny) signed from Gravesend & Northfleet took over from 'Dabber' in the centre of defence for his first team debut.

Despite playing with the advantage of a strong wind in the first half, United made little headway, although Billericay Town fared little better. Stafford Browne broke clear early on before firing just over the bar and soon afterwards came the first of several bookings in an ill-tempered affair.

United's smallest home league crowd of the season (339) had to wait until the 32nd minute before the first, and what turned out to be the only, goal of the night which went to the visitors. Justin Gentle crossed and the unmarked Kirk Game headed past Gary Phillips from close range. Five minutes from the break Phillips got down well to his right to save a low Lee Williams shot from the edge of the penalty area.

In the second half the strong wind remained, now to the advantage of Billericay, but like United they too failed to make it count. After 58 minutes Russell Penn beat Phillips with a header but the coverig Ollie Stanbridge cleared off the line, and from the return left wing cross by Gentle, Chris Moore headed straight into the arms of Phillips.

United's only and nearest chance of the night finally arrived on 64 minutes. Kieran Gallagher crossed from the right, keeper Gavin King looked none too convincing when he climbed with Davies, but did enough the flap the ball out to the edge of the box. The waiting Allan Pluckrose drove in first time on target, only to see Dave Culverhouse bravely head the stinging volley off the line, the ball shaving the far post as it went out for a corner.

United pressed in search of a point, but King wasn't tested any further - although neither was Phillips - and the game disappointingly petered out.