BILLERICAY Town begun pre-season with a 3-1 victory over an All-Star XI containing numerous former Premier League stars.

First half goals from Jake Robinson, Adam Cunnington and Jordan Parkes put Town in the ascendancy in the charity clash which saw all proceeds, including the officials’ match fees, donated to the Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation.

Although Danny Murphy got a goal back for the All-Star XI – which boasted the likes of Paul Konchesky, James Collins, Steve Sidwell, Marlon Harewood and Bobby Zamora – it was not enough to stop Billericay enjoying a winning start to the summer.

Parkes, a summer signing from Hemel Hempstead Town, came close to making a dream start to his Billericay career as the midfielder’s attempted 40-yard lob was tipped onto the crossbar, before a double save thwarted Robinson on the rebound.

But Robinson did grab the opener inside four minutes as the frontman worked some space to get away from former West Ham United defender James Collins before curling home.

The hosts doubled their advantage six minutes later as Cunnington headed Callum Kennedy’s cross into the back of the net.

Robinson then forced a good save after being found by Jack Paxman.

Mark Wright saw a free-kick deflect narrowly wide as the All-Star XI went in search of a way back into the contest, while Murphy’s attempted cross evaded everyone and went inches past of the post moments later.

Parkes struck the crossbar for a second time after being slipped through by Alfie Potter while, at the other end, Zamora’s scuffed effort failed to trouble Billericay goalkeeper Alan Julian.

Another Parkes strike was tipped onto the woodwork before the attacking midfielder grabbed his first goal in Billericay colours two minutes before the interval.

Cunnington tested the All-Star XI goalkeeper with a long-range strike soon after the break.

Murphy – the former Liverpool and Fulham midfielder – got his name on the scoresheet to pull a goal back for the All-Star XI on the hour mark.

Billericay responded with Danny Waldren’s looping header needing to be tipped over the crossbar, while Robinson came close to making Konchesky pay for an attempted header back to the goalkeeper.

However, neither side could add to their respective tallies and Billericay were able to give some much-needed minutes to their players as they prepare for another season of National League South football.