Basildon FC 0 Stansted 2 Stansted manager Terry Spillane praised new coach Dave Bricknell after the Airportmen got back on track at Basildon on Saturday. Stansted secured their first victory in five games in the Essex Senior League clash with the boss put

Basildon FC 0 Stansted 2

Stansted manager Terry Spillane praised new coach Dave Bricknell after the Airportmen got back on track at Basildon on Saturday.

Stansted secured their first victory in five games in the Essex Senior League clash with the boss putting it down to the influence of the UEFA qualified coach and Tottenham scout.

"I've been trying to get him in for a while and finally persuaded to come in a few weeks ago," said Spillane.

"He has tightened us up and given us a real boost. He has fresh ideas and I felt we needed a little injection from somewhere.

"The sessions he does are all with the ball and all about passing and movement. The players have responded to him and there is a buzz back around the place."

Stansted started strongly on Saturday at Gardiners Close and should have taken the lead in the first minute, but Billy Ellis headed over from two yards following Paul Seymour's cross.

The Airportmen finally made the breakthrough after 25 minutes when a corner was headed back across goal by Steve Merrick and Adam Syrett was on hand to volley into the net.

Danny Dow and Paul Seymour both came close for the visitors in the second half, while at the other end, Matt Cope did well to tip over a header from six yards,

Stansted made the game safe after 80 minutes when Ellis whipped a ball in and Syrett tapped in his second of the day.

"They have got a new manager but we played well and looked solid," said Spillane.

"It's not an easy place to go and it's the first time we have won there in the league for about 10 years.

"We played confidently and passed the ball really well. The back four were strong, getting in blocks, winning headers and the full backs went forward at every opportunity.

"It was a good test for us as they are one of the teams we need to be beating, so I was pleased with the three points and delighted with the clean sheet."

Stansted will be looking to build on the victory at Basildon on Saturday when they welcome Southend Manor to Hargrave Park in the Essex Senior League.

"They beat us in extra time in the Essex Senior Cup last month so we owe them something," said Spillane.

"I'm hoping for a clean sheet and want to make the most of our home advantage.