BOWERS & Pitsea put in one of their finest performances of the season as they saw off league rivals Dereham Town 4-1 in the FA Trophy.

Three days after rescuing a draw in Essex, Bowers travelled to Norfolk and excelled, with Jamie Salmon, Tony Stokes, Jamie Dicks and Gavin Cockman on target.

The away side had started the brighter and deservedly took the lead on the half hour.

A neat cross by Dicks was helped home by Salmon, deftly flicking into the corner.

Seven minutes later the advantage was doubled. Tony Stokes, fresh from a brace on Saturday, climbed to head a David Knight cross into the goal.

And Bowers were in dreamland before the break. New duo Johnny Ashman and Dicks combined, with the latter curling a delightful effort into the top corner from 25 yards.

Dereham showed signs of getting back into the contest at the start of the second-half, but heroic defending from Martyn Stokes kept out the home team.

Ashley Jarvis did reduce arrears on the hour, netting from close range.

But Bowers hit back minutes later - Cockman scoring his first for the club with a powerful strike.

And that was how it stayed.

Bowers will host Evo-Stik South East side Egham Town in the first qualifying round, following their resounding 7-1 win against Shoreham