BILLERICAY Town boss Craig Edwards heaped praise on Ricky Sappleton after the centre-back bagged both goals in his side’s 2-0 win against Maldon & Tiptree.

Sappleton’s brace handed Town an eighth successive win at New Lodge as they made it through to the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

And Edwards was delighted to see Sappleton continue his rich vein of form since making the switch from being a striker to the back four.

“Sapps got both goals and he’s really playing out of his skin at the moment which is great to see,” said Edwards.

“At the start of the season we only won once in six games and although we had some really good players in the defence I felt as though we were lacking an experienced head who could be a real leader back there.

“Players like that are hard to find these days but we put Sapps back there and he’s been brilliant.

“It’s coincided with this great run we’re on, losing once in 14 games I think it is now and long may that continue.

“He’s still also providing a real goal threat and both goals he got on Saturday were quality.”

Sappleton - who has now scored four goals in his last three games - put Billericay in front at the weekend with a well taken header from Conor Hubble’s free-kick.

He then smashed home a free-kick of his own on the edge of the penalty area.

But Edwards was disappointed not to see his side go on to score more goals.

“Being honest the game was over as a contest after about 20 minutes but we sat back a little bit after that which wasn’t to my liking,” said Edwards.

“Maldon had a couple of chances towards the end and could really have made a game of it late on.

“But the most important thing was that we got the win to make it through to the next round and we’re looking a really solid side at the moment, “The under 21s are also top of their league right now so this is a really good place to be right now.”

Billericay will now turn their attentions back to the Ryman Premier League when they travel to Lowestoft Town tomorrow night.

And Edwards is keen for his in-form players to produce another fine performance.

“We have Kreshnic Krasniqi playing really well in central midfield and, just like Sapps, he’s been a really important player in this run we’re on which we want to keep going this week,” said Edwards.

“We’re also full of confidence and that can make a big difference.”

Billericay are currently ninth in the league table but have games in hand on all but one of the teams above them.