BILLERICAY Town manager Craig Edwards said some of his trialists showed they had what it took to play for the club after they helped demolish local rivals Basildon United 7-1.

Billericay sent out a team of first team players in the first half and took a 3-1 lead into the break – Chris Webber, the exciting Isaac Layne, and Glenn Poole scored the goals for Billericay and Joe Edwards netted from the spot for Basildon.

Edwards made nine changes in the second half and within minutes trialist Rowan Libury, who was a thorn in Basildon’s side all half, added a fourth before fellow trialist Michael Uwizi added a fifth. Skipper Rich Halle added two further goals.

“I was very pleased with the first 35 minutes,” said Edwards.

“We got sloppy after that which was disappointing but it is the first game of a busy pre-season.

In a way I amglad that happened, as I don’t want to cruise through this period. I want to see what this squad is capable of.

“Up to now this squad has only done conditioning work so to play in this manner and score so many goals is pleasing. There were a number of good performances.

“There were a number of trialists who did very well, three or four in particular.

Edwards confirmed Swiss central midfielder Cyrus Mahler has also signed terms at the club after a number of good showings.

“He has been very impressive for us in all the trial matches and he deserves a chance,” Edwards said.

Edwards added Layne would be joining up with Charlton later in the week, after the Southend game tomorrow night.

“Isaac has been tremendous for us. He definitely has the potential to play in the football league. We hope he does well for them,” he said. “He will play 45 minutes for us on Tuesday and then head to Charlton to play on Wednesday.”

A Charlton Athletic XI will travel to Thurrock on Wednesday although it is not known whether Layne will appear in this match.

Both Junior Appiah and Rich Halle are likely to sit out against the League Two side after picking up ankle injuries against Basildon.