BILLERICAY Town’s Under-21 side suffered an agonising defeat in the Ryman play-off final as they were edged out by Worthing on penalties.

Town had led in normal time and extra-time thanks to strikes from Conor Hubble and Hafeez Sanusi but they were pegged back before going down 5-3 in the shoot-out.

Billericay had won the northern division with a game to spare and took on southern champions Worthing at Harlow Town’s ground.

The starting eleven featured nine players who had played for the first-team, with Tom Derry the club’s top scorer in the Ryman Premier League, and manager Craig Edwards said the youngsters should be extremely happy with their performances this season.

“The boys did ever so well and they should be proud,” said Edwards, who manages the first-team as well. “It was a funny game as it had the feel of a pre-season friendly to it as it was so hot but it was an enjoyable match.

“We took the lead and my regret would be we didn’t push on after that. But it was a warm day and not ideal for anyone.

“I think we have missed 12 penalties this season which obviously isn’t ideal but the boys can take a lot away from this experience. They all received winners medals for winning the division and we now have to hope they can push on and continue to make an impact for the first team.

Billericay Town Under-21s: Stanbury, Taylor-Reid, Putt, Diallo, Sanusi, Stephenson, Monville, Hubble, Derry, Abdul, Vaughan