Harrow Borough were denied by Billericay Town goalkeeper Jack Giddens after falling to a 2-1 Ryman Premier Division defeat on Saturday.

The Reds pushed for an equaliser but were denied by a couple of stoppage time saves from Giddens which preserved the hosts’ lead.

Tom Derry headed home for Billericay but his goal was chalked off for offside.

The hosts took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Conor Hubble curled a shot past Conor Hudnott. But it was a controversial opener after Shaun Preddie appeared to be elbowed in the build-up to the goal.

Boro made a slow start to the second half and were punished when they fell further behind after 52 minutes. Hudnott’s clearance lacked power and Cliff Akurang was on hand to slide the ball into the net from a cross.

Lewis Driver was brought on for the Reds and this sparked them into life. Pressure from the visitors resulted in a goal when Kane Jones set up Fejiri Okenabirhie and he beat the goalkeeper.

This set up a tense climax and the hosts were indebted to Giddens after he pulled off two excellent saves to deny goalscorer Okenabirhie.

Boro host VCD Athletic on Saturday before entertaining Dulwich Hamlet on Tuesday.