ISAAC Layne scored on his debut to help Billericay Town beat Kingstonian 3-2 at New Lodge on Saturday.
The 18-year-old, who can play up front or on the wing, came to the club after being recommended to manager Craig Edwards by Brentford.
And the Billericay boss was encouraged by the youngster’s display.
“It was a big gamble putting Isaac in because he hasn’t played at this level before, but I thought he did well,” said Edwards.
“He missed a couple of good chances early on but he kept on plugging away and ended up getting a goal.
“He probably could’ve ended up with four so for him to get that number of chances is very encouraging indeed.”
Layne was joined on the score-sheet by Callum Dunne and Joey Benjamin as Town recorded their fifth victory in seven games to move up to 10th in the Ryman Premier League table.
And Edwards felt his team fully deserved their victory against fourth placed Kingstonian.
“Kingstonian are a good side but I thought they were flattered by the score-line,” said Edwards.
“We could’ve been 4-0 up at half-time and if they had come back to get a point I think I would’ve been suicidal.”
Billericay opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Dunne headed home.
Four minutes later, they doubled their advantage when Layne won the ball from Matt Somner before feeding Benjamin who easily held off Sam Paige before hitting the back of the net.
Billericay remained on top and Sean Bonnett-Johnson and Benjamin were kept out by last ditch blocks.
Kingstonian pulled a goal back on 25 minutes when a hopeful Tommy Kavanagh shot slipped through the gloves of Town goalkeeper Billy Lumley.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men shortly before half-time Somner was shown a red card for a two footed lunge on Junior Luke.
Town extended their lead on the hour mark when Kingstonian goalkeeper Rob Tolfrey spilled a corner, allowing Layne to score from close range.
The visitors then netted with almost the last kick of the game with Ryan Moss netting a consolation.
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