BILLERICAY Town proved party-poopers in Sussex on Saturday as a 1,150-strong crowd gathered to say farewell to football at Horsham's Queen Street ground.

Before the match a parade of former players and officials took place as the curtain came down on the historic old home of the hosts after 104 years that has been sold for housing development.

But Billericay refused to allow the afternoon to become one of pure nostalgia.

Ironically, on a day when their hopes of making the play-offs for a third time in four seasons became mathematically impossible, Town produced their first away win since February 9.

The stark truth is that their results over the last third of the season just haven't been good enough to warrant a place in the promotion mix as this was only their third victory in 12 games.

But here, free from the pressures of fighting for a play-off position, they showed that they have the ability to be among the top sides next season.

If they are, young striker Billy Bricknell will undoubtedly have a major part to play.

Signed from relegation bound Leyton at the start of the year, Bricknell has been a major plus.

He settled the issue here after just 16 minutes with his sixth goal in 14 starts, firing home from eight yards following a typical run and cross from the left by evergreen Lee Hodges.

Horsham tried to hit back with visiting keeper Ronnie Worster foiling ex Canvey man Dwaine Clarke and Jacob Mingle.

But only a superb save from home stopper Alan Mansfield stopped Darren Blewitt making it 2-0 after 57 minutes.

Defeat didn't dampen the Horsham celebrations as home fans lit yellow and green flares to mark the end of an era at their old home.