RYMAN PREMIER LEAGUE: Hotshot centre-back Richard Halle says the goalscoring prowess of Billericay Town’s defenders' can be their secret weapon this season.

Town’s defenders have contributed 22 goals already this term, with captain Halle responsible for 14 of those strikes, having netted his 10th league goal of the season against AFC Hornchurch on Boxing Day.

And the 32-year-old PE teacher is confident Craig Edwards’ free-scoring side will continue to pose a threat from all areas, now the strikers are firing on a regular basis - beginning at East Thurrock United this afternoon.

“Things must be going well for us if I am scoring this many,” laughed Halle. “I have scored 14 league goals in a season before when I worked with Craig at Chelmsford City but I was playing in a much more advanced role.

“So, on a personal note, to have 14 goals and not even be in January yet is brilliant. The other boys have got to catch me up now!”

Despite reaching double figures in the league against Hornchurch, he does not yet feature on the top-scorers list on the Ryman League website, but Halle is unconcerned at this oversight.

“It suits me fine,” he said. “That way I can go into games and I might not be noticed as much, Otherwise I will be a marked man and chances may be more limited.”

Halle was full of praise for the rest of his defensive partners, with Ryan Scott, Steve Sheehan and recently Teddy Nesbitt also chipping in with goals.

“To have scored 22 goals from defence so far this season is superb. We look a threat in all areas and we have a well balanced squad now.

“We had a few players come and go early on in the season but the likes of Ryan Melaugh and Rowan (Liburd) are firing having broken into the team and we look a real threat in all departments.

The burgeoning strike partnership between Liburd and Ricky Sappleton has contributed seven goals in the last six outings and Halle believes there is no reason the team can’t continue finding the net with such regularity in the New Year.

“We are on a good run of form,” said Halle. “It is obviously going well for us at the moment but the performance level in general has been very high.

“We are pushing on and if we keep winning we can achieve something this year. We don’t concede many goals and that is a good base to build on.

“But with matches against East Thurrock and Margate coming up we know things don’t get any easier. We need to maintain our focus and we can continue to climb the table.”

Ricky Sappleton is suspended for today’s derby against Rocks at Rookery Hill, after his red card against Lewes a fortnight ago, with former Dagenham & Redbridge striker Affy Obafemi in contention for a start.

Liam Nash returns from a profitable loan spell at Great Wakering Rovers to strengthen Edwards’ attacking options, although Ryan Scott is doubtful for the clash.

East Thurrock have also been hit by suspensions for the match, with Lewis Smith also unavailable. Connor Witherspoon is also doubtful with teenager Joe Paxman waiting in the wings if required.