BILLERICAY Town target man Ricky Sappleton says he is almost at full fitness after his goal scoring return to action at the weekend.

Sappleton struck twice against Witham Town in the final 15 minutes to complete a remarkable turn-around, which had seen Town 2-0 down with 76 minutes on the clock.

The 24-year-old Jamaican had been sidelined since Billericay’s home loss to Harrow Borough in the middle of August but came off the bench to net twice – his third and fourth goals of the season.

“I am delighted to be back in the team and back scoring goals,” said Sappleton. “The team is buzzing at the moment so it is nice to be back playing again and really feel a part of that.

“Winning in the way we did at the weekend can really help us push on. We take each game as it comes but feel good going into every match.

“We didn’t do ourselves justice against Witham but still came away with the three points. One thing with this team is we dig in until the very end.”

Billericay have a host of strikers vying for the two spots in Craig Edwards’ team, and Sappleton is under no illusions he will have to keep performing to keep his place.

“The manager has brought in some really good players which is exciting for me. Junior Appiah is doing well on the wing and I really like playing with Chris Benjamin. Then we have Seedy (Njie) who has been good in recent weeks so this young team has a lot to offer. We are confident going into every game now and that is what you need if you want to get a head of steam. Bognor Regis are a good side but there is no reason we can’t take the win.”

Sappleton has seen his time with Billericay blighted by injuries, but has the full support of Edwards, who said during pre-season that the striker was ‘the fittest I have ever seen him’.

The manager challenged Sappleton to reach 25 goals this term and, after a niggling hamstring injury clears up, he feels he can reach that target and help fire Town to a play-off finish.

“My hamstring has been causing me some problems over the past couple of weeks and it has been difficult to get rid of,” he confirmed, although he is expected to feature against Bognor tonight.

“But I am almost back to full fitness and hope I can contribute more goals in the weeks to come.

“I hope I can keep performing and score my goals. I am enjoying my football and am confident of scoring more than 20 goals.

“We have quality in all positions so I know I will get good service and then it is down to me to finish the chances,” Sappleton added.