CHERLMSFORD City have "no choice" other than to build a winning run after Saturday's win over Boreham Wood if they're to challenge towards the top of the Blue Square Bet South says boss Glenn Pennyfather as he prepares his team for a New Year's Day derby at Billericay Town, kick-off 3pm at New Lodge.

The weekend's 2-1 victory generated three points to keep the Clarets in contention after a barren run caused by rain-induced postponements, and Glenn wants that to start a sequence of wins to propel City towards the top.

"It was a game we desperately wanted to play after the period of inactivity over the last 14 days," he said. "We wanted to get back playing again."

"You put into training what you can but it's never a substitute for what's going to happen on matchdays.

"We showed signs of a few cobwebs and rustiness in the first 45 minutes, because Boreham Wood had been playing, so they were more match fit. We showed the character, honesty and belief, and we need to go on a run now.

"It's not 'if' we go on a run - we have no choice if we're to catch the top sides. Saturday was a good start."

It's the first time the sides have met at Conference South level since Billericay's promotion from the Ryman League as champions last season.

The teams would have faced each other on Boxing Day but for a waterlogged pitch, and Glenn repeated: "Billericay did very well last year and they've already shown they can compete at this level so far."

With David Bridges the only absentee from midfield, he continued: "They are a talented side and we know we're in for a very difficult game.

"But we're in decent form and we always aim for three points whoever we're playing.

"The history between the clubs will add a little bit extra to the match, and I'm sure our fans will be right behind us and in good voice."

Billericay are captained by former Claret Rob Swaine.