BILLERICAY Town boss Craig Edwards feels influential midfielder Glenn Poole is now back to his best after returning from his self-imposed break from the game.

Poole dropped out of the Town squad at the start of the month after he stopped enjoying his football.

But the 32-year-old returned to the starting line-up for Monday night’s 2-1 win at Hendon.

And Edwards has already noticed a huge difference in Poole’s demeanour.

“Glenn was exceptional at Hendon and he was back out there with a smile on his face doing what he does best,” said Edwards.

“At the start of the season he seemed to have the weight of the world on his shoulders and as a senior player I think he took it to heart when we didn’t have the best of starts.

“But he seems a million times better now and that’s great to see.”

Poole’s fine performance at Hendon also helped Billericay secure a fourth win in five games.

However, it was striker Ricky Sappleton who took centre stage as he scored both of Town’s goals just two days after being sent off in a 1-0 defeat at Carshalton Athletic.

“Ricky has been outstanding for us this season and he showed his importance with two more goals,” added Edwards.

“His ban for the red card starts on Saturday week and he will miss four games, which is a big blow to us.

“He’s already scored seven goals but he missed a few matches with an injury earlier on in the season and we did well in them, so we’ll be looking to do the same this time too.”

Billericay take a break from the league when they travel to St Albans City in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

And Edwards is thrilled to be heading into that clash on the back of a hard-fought win at Hendon.

“It was a cracking game of football and it was very pleasing to come out on top,” said Edwards.

“We have a young team that has changed a lot since the end of last season so we may struggle for consistency at times.

“We’re working hard on that though and I think four wins in the last five games shows we’re certainly making progress where that’s concerned.”