BOWERS & Pitsea put Concord Rangers to the sword as Rob Small’s Isthmian Premier League new-boys recorded a 5-0 victory over their neighbours.

A Max Cornhill brace, along with goals from James Thomas, David Knight and Lewis Clark, allowed Bowers to run out comprehensive winners against the National League South visitors.

And it proved to be a frustrating night for Beach Boys boss Danny Scopes at the Len Salmon Stadium.

The hosts took the lead with the first meaningful attack of the pre-season friendly.

Although Brad Warner’s initial drive was kept out by Concord goalkeeper Chris Haigh, Cornhill was on hand to convert from close range with less than three minutes on the clock.

Concord responded with Decarrey Sheriff using his strength to hold off Ryan Sammons, but the former Colchester United youngster dragged his effort wide before Aron Pollock headed over the crossbar.

Lamar Reynolds missed a glorious chance to draw Concord level just past the half hour mark as Bowers goalkeeper Callum Chafer parried Sheriff’s strike into the path of the attacker, but Reynolds sent the rebound over the top.

Moments later, Billy Roast rose highest to head Joel Nouble’s looping cross against the crossbar and that miss proved costly.

Bowers broke down the other end of the pitch and, after Cornhill had been stopped in his tracks, Thomas slotted the ball home.

The hosts extended their advantage on 64 minutes as Cornhill ghosted in behind a Concord defence which had fallen asleep and flicked a Knight free-kick home to grab his second goal of the evening.

Knight added his name to the scoresheet three minutes later by converting from the penalty spot, despite Haigh diving the correct way, after Dan Trendall was bundled over.

The Beach Boys were not alert to another free-kick on 74 minutes and Bowers capitalised as Clark met a Cornhill knockdown and wrongfooted Haigh.

Cornhill should have completed his hat-trick late on, but Haigh was not to be beaten by the midfielder’s attempted lob.