BILLERICAY Town lined up an Eastern Region Women’s League Cup final against Great Shelford after beating Barking 3-2.

Sophie Whiting, Marie Barker and Sam Edwards got the goals in a thrilling semi-final at Mayesbrook Park.

It was a case of mission accomplished for Billericay manager Kim Coster, who praised her players.

“I am delighted with the win and so pleased for the players,” she said.

“This was a game we wanted to win and I hope for the spectators this showed in our performance.

“I have great respect for the players, coaches and management of Barking and I wish them well in their County Cup Final on the April 17.”

The match started at a high tempo but Billericay eventually started to boss the play and were rewarded with their first goal in the 24th minute.

Hayley Spallin intercepted a Barking pass and played the ball wide to Lisa Silverton, who cut inside the defender on the edge of the penalty area, and her cross was met by Sophie Whiting who scored at the far post.

Echo:

Sophie Whiting - got the opening goal

Marie Barker was denied by a good save from the Barking goalkeeper but Billericay got a second goal in the 30th minute.

The ball was played out to Whiting on the left, who beat her defender to cross for Barker to score with a deflected header.

But Barking got back into the game on the 35th minute when they caught Billericay’s defence short and a cross into the box was met Carly Copplestone who out jumped Billericay’s defence and headed the ball home.

Billericay attacked from the restart and Nikki Dunsdon was brought down and was awarded a free-kick.

Sam Edwards took the free-kick from 35 yards out and beat the keeper to make it 3-1 after 37 minutes.

But Barking’s took control of the final minutes of the half with wind-assisted long balls into the box.

Billericay conceded a penalty on the 42nd minute and Barking’s Hayley Piggott made no mistake from the spot to make 3-2.

The competitiveness of both teams made the second half a good spectacle.

Town hit the woodwork three times but were unable to extend their lead.

And they faced a nervy final few minutes which saw Barking’s final attack produce a corner which was pumped away by the Billericay defence ad the hosts pressed for an equaliser.

Billericay are fifth in the ERWL Premier Division with their final rivals Great Shelford sixth in the table. The date for the final Town now focus on the league again when they host Colchester Town at New Lodge on Sunday.

Billericay: Bridgeman, Edwards, Appleton, Bovington, Russell, Spalling, Lainsey, Barker, Dunsdon, Whiting, Silverton. Subs not used Dimambro, Leo, Robins, Attridge.

* MANAGER Dave Jackson and Billericay Town Girls under-14 side were celebrating on Sunday after beating Hoddesdon 3-0 at New Lodge to put them through to the Essex County Girls’ Football League President’s Cup final.