Bowers & Pitsea 4-0 Tilbury

(Knight 16’, 58’, Stokes 48’, Warner 76’)

From the Len Salmon Stadium

Ryman North

BOWERS & Pitsea showed their clinical edge as they eased past neighbours Tilbury 4-0 tonight.

Held under the spotlights in a bid to boost attendances, Bowers were impressive as they ran out comprehensive winners to move back into the play-off places in the Ryman North.

A brace from David Knight plus a header from captain Martyn Stokes and an effort from Brad Warner handed Rob Small’s team a good win in front of 257 supporters.

Bowers started well, with Tilbury goalkeeper Louis Hawes by far the busier of the two custodians.

Having made one fine save, Hawes kept out Ben Sartain’s long range drive although he could do nothing about the opener.

After 16 minutes, the ball was bobbling in the six-yard box and Knight was on the spot to prod home from close range.

Home stopper Rhys Madden prevented a rare foray forward while Warner sent a trademark free-kick over the bar.

Reece Hewitt tested Madden before the half was out but Bowers doubled their lead moments into the second period.

A corner was swung in and Stokes climbed highest to send his header into the net.

Warner hit the post as he continued to cause problems from dead-ball situations but it was his strike partner that was doing the damage in front of goal.

Knight made space in the penalty area and clipped home to make it 3-0 and all but end Tilbury’s chances.

Danny Francis missed a guilt-edged chance to put Tilbury back in the match and, unsurprisingly, Bowers made them pay.

Warner, as he had been threatening, bent home a terrific free-kick to complete an excellent individual and team performance.

The same man almost added to his tally only to see another free-kick fly narrowly wide, while Hawes blocked the former Thurrock striker.

But Bowers were comfortable winners come the final whistle.

Bowers & Pitsea: Madden, Clark, Cross (Hazelwood 81’), Stokes, Wilson, Sartain (Johnson 80’), Jones (Manor 77’), Russell, Knight, Warner, Hilton