Cheshunt 2-1 Bowers & Pitsea

(Roberts 23’, Lampe 56’: Knight 21’)

From Theobalds Lane

Isthmian North

BOWERS & Pitsea’s automatic promotion hopes took a surprising turn for the worse as bottom club Cheshunt triumphed to boost their survival hopes.

Cheshunt were rock bottom ahead of kick-off and came into the match as first second favourites.

Shomari Barnwell was named among the starters just 24 hours after re-joining the club and the first opportunity of the afternoon was his.

But his header from a David Knight free-kick was headed plucked out of the air by Amadou Tangara.

Although the stopper was unable to replicate his good play 10 minutes later. Failing to get any distance on his attempted headed clearance, the goalkeeper was unable to get back in time to prevent Knight’s lob finding the net.

But Cheshunt rallied and responded almost immediately. Kyle Roberts was played in down the left and he cut back inside Ryan Boswell before curling into the far corner from 18 yards.

It was an even game although Sam Alderson should have put Cheshunt into the lead.

The ball dropped to him in the penalty area and his powerful effort was well pushed over by Callum Chafer from close range.

Cheshunt were creating the better opportunities and should have gone in front four minutes after half-time.

A cross found Ricky Sappleton but his header from close range somehow went over the crossbar.

But Cheshunt were to deservedly take the lead. An excellent free-kick from the right was not dealt with and defender Jack Lampe powered home from close range.

Bowers camped in the home half and missed a golden chance to level when Jamie Dicks scuffed wide from in front of the goal, with 20 minutes to play.

But the equaliser was not forthcoming.

Bowers & Pitsea: Chafer, Boswell (Clark 83’), Thomas, Stokes, Easterford, Leahy, Salmon (Nyanja 58’), Sartain, Knight, Manor, Barnwell (Dicks 58’)