Bowers & Pitsea's James Thomas delighted to bring up ton by sealing Isthmian North title

Thomas claimed an assist as Bowers registered a 4-0 win over Dereham Town at the Len Salmon Stadium.

But Thomas, who featured on the left-wing having also been involved at left-back earlier in the season, admitted that he was unaware of it being a milestone appearance.

Thomas said: “I didn’t know it was my 100th appearance for the club, but it was nice timing.

“The achievement of winning the title overshadows it.

“But, on a personal level, it shows I have been part of the journey over the last three years from when we got promoted from the Essex Senior League to getting promoted now.”

Bowers took the lead midway through the first half as Thomas latched onto a loose ball before swinging a dangerous cross into the heart of Dereham’s penalty area, where David Knight was on hand to fire past the visitors’ goalkeeper Elliott Pride.

Knight went onto complete a hat-trick, while central defender Lewis Clark also added his name to the scoresheet with a second half header.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands, while the players and management staff remained in jubilant mood in the home changing room.

Four Isthmian North fixtures remain and Thomas is eager to repay the faith shown in him by manager Rob Small by turning in some more impressive performances.

And Thomas believes the scale of Bowers’ achievement should not be underestimated.

“Smallsy and Lewis Manor have been doing it for five years from the Essex Senior League and I joined in this league, so it has been three years in the making,” added Thomas.

“It’s massive for everyone because there are so many people who work so hard behind the scenes.

“Everyone gives everything and we have made it look quite easy in the end.

“It’s a big points margin and we have just kept winning.

“That’s what we do, especially in this division.

“Hopefully we can take it into the Isthmian Premier League next year and all stick together.”