BILLERICAY Town Ladies beat Eastern Region Premier leaders Lowestoft 3-1 to replace them at the top of the table.

Billericay started well with Lisa Silverton’s side-foot ed volley just go wide.

And the New Lodge hosts took the lead in the 12th minute following a foul on Nikki Dunsdon on the edge of the box and Sophie Whiting perfectly floated the dead ball into the top corner of the visitors’ goal.

Going a goal down stunned the Suffolk visitors and Billericay took advantage to double their lead in the 15th minute.

Whiting won the ball in midfield and her cross into the area was well taken by Silverton who slotted the ball past the keeper.

Billericay were unable to make their other numerous chances count and Lowestoft gained in confidence as the half wore on.

That resulted in them reducing the deficit in the 43rd minute with a headed goal from a corner. An injury to goalkeeper Michelle Bridgeman meant Whiting went between the sticks for the second half, with Stacey Turner taking her place on the wing, and Billericay set about protecting the stand-in keeper.

It was end to end during the second period but the hosts ensured the victory in the 57th minute when Dunsdon beat the keeper.

Both sides continued to create chances but some good goalkeeping meant it finished 3-1.

Billericay manager Kim Coster said: “This was certainly a good game of football and both teams played extremely well.

“For me this wasn’t just three points but a step forward in the team starting to really believe,.

“The players’ work rate was outstanding and the support play was excellent.”

Billericay travel to Bar Hill on Sunday in the Women’s FA Cup.