Tilbury 1-1 Bowers & Pitsea

(K Smith 4’: Stokes 11’)

From Chadfields

Ryman North

BOWERS & Pitsea drew 1-1 with Tilbury as the clash between the two Essex sides ended all square.

Bowers had been short of their excellent start-of-season form in recent times, but were against a Dockers side who themselves had had an excellent start to the campaign.

And it was the home side that made a barnstorming start to the match, with the opening goal coming after just four minutes.

Kurt Smith scored from 12 yards following a foul in the penalty area but Bowers didn’t have to wait long until they drew level.

A free-kick was fizzed in by James Stevens which was too hot for home goalkeeper Lee Butcher. He failed to collect and Martyn Stokes slid the ball home from close range with just 11 minutes on the clock.

Bowers needed goalkeeper Bobby Mason to make an excellent save as Tilbury looked to crank up the pressure at Chadfields, but the away side were still a danger.

Luke Wilson sent a header over from a set-piece before Shomari Barnwell, heavily linked with a move to Cambridge United, headed inches wide.

Bowers had a golden chance after half-time to make it 2-1 but Brad Warner, usually so clinical in front of goal, couldn’t make the most of the opportunity.

Barnwell fed the striker but, although he rounded the goalkeeper, he shot wide.

Mason made another good save up the other end while Warner had another golden chance to win it but his shot only ruffled the side-netting.

Bowers & Pitsea: Mason, Pethers, Clark, Stokes, Wilson, Sartain (Hilton), Russell, Stevens, Barnwell, Warner, Agombar (Thomas)