Ben Mapp Journalism

With four friendlies played and less than three weeks remaining until the Isthmian Premier League season kicks off at New Lodge, Billericay Town’s pre-season preparations are in full swing. Saturday’s 3–1 defeat to National League side Aldershot Town marked the halfway point of a packed summer schedule, with manager Gary McCann continuing to assess his options across a squad that blends returning regulars, new faces, promising youngsters and a handful of players still looking to earn a contract. Here’s a look at where things stand heading into the final two weeks of pre-season. Familiar Faces Several familiar names have been ever-present so far this summer. Goalkeeper Sam Donkin has featured in three of the four fixtures, saving a penalty against Aldershot on Saturday, while club captain Matt Johnson has resumed his role at the heart of the defence. Left-back Jay Porter is now into his third season at the club and remains an ever-present on the left side of the back four. Y...

Hutton – Tuesday 8th July, 7:45pm, New Lodge We kick things off against familiar neighbours Hutton, who’ve become regular pre-season opponents since starting their groundshare at New Lodge two years ago. They finished fifth in the Eastern Counties League Division One South last season but fell short in the play-offs, losing 4-1 in the semi-final to eventual winners Hackney Wick. Taking charge this summer is former AS London manager Francesco Zabotti, who replaces Matt Singh after his successful stint in charge. Hutton will again use New Lodge this campaign, playing on the weekends when we’re away and on Wednesday nights. We’ve faced Hutton in our opening friendly for the past two summers, winning 3-1 in 2023/24 and 3-0 last year. Braintree Town – Saturday 12th July, 3pm, New Lodge Our first National League visitors of pre-season are Braintree Town, who survived their first season back at Step 1 by finishing 17th, four points clear of relegation. Steve Pitt, a familiar face ...

Our 2024/25 season is one that will live long in the memory for everyone associated with New Lodge. It showcased everything football is about, rising attendances, soaking wet away days hours from home, last-minute goals, a topsy-turvy title race, a trophy win, and arguably the cruellest end to a season in the club’s illustrious history. Let’s unpack how our crazy 52-game season unfolded. August After plenty of new faces and an encouraging pre-season, optimism was high as we hosted Whitehawk on the opening weekend. That optimism proved well-placed as we ran out comfortable 3-0 winners, featuring a spectacular acrobatic goal from Ansu Janneh. Three frustrating 1-1 draws followed. Ibrahim Jalloh’s first goal for the club was cancelled out in stoppage time at Chatham. Despite a positive performance, we shared the spoils with Dover, and a wet afternoon in Hertfordshire saw Aron Pollock’s header earn us a point at Cheshunt. The elusive second win arrived in dramatic fashion as Cain K...