DEAN Brennan hopes Billericay Town’s players will continue to lead by example.

Captain Sam Deering scored the winner as Town moved to without a point of the National League South summit with a 2-1 win over Bath City in midweek.

Billericay will make the long trip to Hereford for an FA Trophy first round tie tomorrow and Brennan is looking forward to returning to Edgar Street.

“We’re looking forward to the match,” said Brennan, whose side overcame Hampton & Richmond Borough in the third qualifying round to book a trip to Hereford.

“I played at Edgar Street for Grays Athletic during my playing career and it will be great for me to go back there.

“Hereford is such a big club and they have a lot of supporters, so I’m expecting it to be a tough game and for there to be a great atmosphere.

“We go there having won at Eastbourne Borough and Bath City, so we’re in a good place at the moment.

“Sammy (Deering) is one of those chirpy lads but he works his socks off and leads by example.

“He has fantastic ability and I’ve played against him over the years, where he has always caused problems.

“His work ethic is fantastic and, when (assistant manager) Stu (Maynard) and I came in, we thought he was a real leader.

“Danny (Waldren), Jules (Alan Julian) and Jake Howells are leaders on the pitch as well.”

While Billericay are second in the National League South, Hereford have struggled to pick up positive results in the National League North.

Hereford find themselves in the relegation zone having registered just four wins from their 19 fixtures.

But Brennan insists Billericay will need to be at their best if they are to advance to the second round of the FA Trophy at Hereford’s expense.

“You need to earn the right to keep clean sheets and we will need to defend well,” added the Billericay boss.

“We played better going forward against Oxford City than against Eastbourne Borough and Bath City, but we didn’t win that game because we didn’t defend well enough.

“We have shown that we are better defensively now and a strong defensive record brings success.”