Alongside her there was a debut for new signing Phoebe Williams, a player who impressed in AFC Bournemouth's side which finished third in Tier 3 last season and won the FAWNL Cup.

Jasmine Williamson started her first game of the season at right wingback with Jennie Brereton rested and watching on from the bench. There was also a return for Zahra Cheesman in goal, with Elisa Dogor overseas for the weekend.

The hosts were back in this division after having a 2025/26 to forget, losing every one of their games in Tier 3.

With most new members of the squad stepping up from their youth and reserve teams, another season of struggle was predicted and they had lost all three games in the league and cup prior to this.

Actonians were strong favourites from the outset and two corners were won in the opening minutes as they started brightly.

Lalani rattled the Fulham woodwork twice on Tuesday and forced a good save from Emily Mackler with another dangerous free-kick.

However, Billericay's young side were proving to be more stubborn than expected and when Olivia Clement accidentally flicked on a long ball to put one of their young strikers through, a goal looked likely. Thankfully she got back to block and concede a corner which came to nothing.

Half chances went to both sides but then during a melee in the penalty area, the referee spotted a handball and the A's had a penalty which Wiktoria Fronc emphatically finished to give the visitors a 26th-minute lead.

The decision to award the spot-kick was contentious and Billericay's vociferous manager made sure the referee knew it.

Rather than let their heads drop, the Essex side showed great resilience and when young striker Mia Robins found herself in some space on the right, she struck a powerful, curling shot over the head of Cheeseman who had little chance of keeping it out.

Their joy was shortlived though as Actonians regrouped and attacked again.

Three minutes later and with their defence under enormous pressure, a clearance only found Fronc who clinically swept in a second from just inside the area to make it 2-1 on 36 minutes.

A's teams of recent years have often found it hard to be ruthless in front of goal and put games to bed, but only a minute later Fronc completed her hat-trick with a superb effort from long range - she is the first player to achieve the feat for Actonians since Alessandra Barreca during the 6-0 win at London Seaward in March 2025.

Leading 3-1 at the interval, boss Stephens gave a debut to another new signing Ruby Murphy, who has experience with Plymouth Argyle, with Williamson taking a break.

Billericay continued to fight, with Cheeseman saving a free-kick but the game finally looked beyond them when a through-ball found the ever industrious Steph McCaffrey who finished calmly for 4-1 just after the hour.

From here on in it was all about Wiktoria Fronc who, not content with a hat-trick, managed to score another two as the A's second-half dominance bore fruit.

Everyone on the subs bench got a run-out before the end, including Sammy Rowland whose recovery from a knee injury continues, with the heavy strapping from Tuesday now gone.

The win means Actonians are now unbeaten in three league games and second behind London Bees who have won all three of their matches.

POTM - Wiktoria Fronc. With five goals it was hard to give it to anyone else but honourable mentions need to go to Viv Ruetggers who continues to deputise at centre-back and young forward Abi Kargbo who ran tirelessly and pressed all game.

Next up, Ascot United at home in the FAWNL Cup on Sunday 6 September at 3pm.

Report by James Doe