BOWERS & Pitsea were pegged back and made to settle for a point against Hertford Town.

Lewis Manor put the hosts in front at the Len Salmon Stadium, but Tommy Wade equalised on the half hour mark in a 1-1 draw.

As a result, Bowers were unable to notch their third win of the season.

Rob Small’s side got off to a good start and took the lead inside 18 minutes.

Summer signing Tony Stokes’ cross found Thomas Stephen, who chested the ball into the path of Manor and the striker found the back of the net.

And Wade, who scored in the FA Cup first qualifying round tie and replay against Grays Athletic in Hertford Town’s two most recent fixtures, got the visitors back on level terms.

Wade was the first to a rebound after Callum Chafer had made a fine save.

The Bowers goalkeeper, who joined in the close season from Isthmian North rivals Romford, made more good stops to deny Hertford Town taking the lead.

And the home side were denied a spot kick when the referee waved away appeals after Stokes was bundled over in the penalty area.

Manor passed up the opportunity to claim a brace as he scuffed a second half effort.

Bowers were unable to restore their lead and remain in the Isthmian North play-off places.

Small’s charges face a local derby tomorrow, when Grays Athletic make the short trip to the Len Salmon Stadium.

Bowers & Pitsea: Chafer, Clark, Stephen, Salmon, Easterford, Sartain, Mallett, Leahy (Nyanja 45’), Thomas (Brown 74’), Manor, Stokes (Cockman 75’)