Havant & Waterlooville move up to second in National League South after inflicting first home league defeat on Billericay

Forward Jonah Ayunga's superb strike on 26 minutes proved the difference as Paul Doswell's side moved to within five points of table-toppers Wealdstone having played a game more.

The Hawks, who became the first team to win at Billericay in the league this season, remain in with a chance of chasing down the leaders and lifting the title with 10 matches left to play.

The visitors made two changes with Sam Magri and Jonah Ayunga returning to the starting line-up.

Striker Danny Kedwell started his three-match suspension and Simon Walton was rested.

In a positive opening from the Hawks, Frenchman Bedsente Gomis sent an overhead-kick just above the crossbar after meeting a Wes Fogden corner.

On seven minutes, there was an escape at the other end when Femi Akinwande's deflected strike fell to Dejon Noel-Williams who sent his header wide from six yards.

Full-back Benny Read then burst into the area and pulled the ball back to Ayunga but the hosts hacked the danger clear.

But it was the Hawks who made the breakthrough on 26 minutes with a superb strike from the returning Ayunga.

Millwall loanee Junior Tiensia was the architect, beating a defender before picking the striker out on the edge of the area.

The Kenyan turned well and fired an unstoppable shot into the top left-hand corner of the net.

Ayunga had another chance three minutes before the break but couldn't generate enough power in his shot after controlling a Josh Taylor long throw.

The Hawks' frontman was proving a handful and on 53 minutes home goalkeeper Alan Julian denied him a second goal with his legs.

Billericay enjoyed a period of greater possession but still couldn't fashion out any clear-cut chances.

Although a second goal continued to elude the Hawks, Read went close with a shot across the face of goal.

A 25-yard strike from Doug Loft whistled just past the upright as the visitors came under increasing pressure.

The Hawks had a let off in the final six minutes when Jake Robinson's deflected shot bounced away off the crossbar.

But they held out to inflict a first home league defeat of the season on Billericay.