Heybridge Swifts 2-2 Bowers & Pitsea

(Grant 85’ (p), 90’ (p): Warner 26’, 53’ (p))

From the Texo Stadium

Ryman North

By Dean Wootten

A LAST-GASP goal further dented Bowers & Pitsea’s Ryman North play-off ambitions, as their mini slump in form continued at Heybridge Swifts.

Bowers looked set for a first win in four matches, but they let a two goal lead slip for the second time in five days, as Swifts fought back to draw 2-2 in a game of three penalties.

Heybridge started the stronger, creating several half chances and it wasn’t until the 14th minute that Bowers registered their first shot, Ross Adams firing wide.

The opener came after 26 minutes, as Alfie Hilton’s clipped ball found David Knight, and he squared for Brad Warner to play the ball past Danny Sambridge.

Adams saw a shot cleared off the line, although Swifts should have levelled when George Cole’s cross was met by Adam Bolle but his header hit the post, with the rebound straight at goalkeeper Rhys Madden.

Madden kept it 1-0 at the break, with Swifts missing several good opportunities.

But, despite the home side’s early dominance, it was Bowers who scored next.

Lewis Manor was fouled in the area after good work from Hilton and Warner smashed the penalty into the bottom right corner for his 20th of the season.

Madden was once again needed to preserve his clean sheet, while Manor missed a golden chance to secure the points up the other end, but he shot wide.

In the 84th minute, Heybridge found a way back into the game as Glen Little was brought down after a driving run, and substitute Reece Grant slotted home the resulting spot kick.

Fahad Nyanja almost restored the two goal advantage, rounding the keeper only to see his shot cleared off the line.

But, in the final minute of stoppage time, Swifts levelled.

Bowers captain Martyn Stokes conceded another penalty, and again Grant slotted home to secure the point for Heybridge.

Bowers & Pitsea: Madden, Clark, Cross, Stokes, Waters, Adams (Russell), Manor, Leahy, Knight (Nyanja), Warner, Hilton