WITHAM TOWN V BOWERS & PITSEA

RUNDOWN: Bowers’ tough start to the season continues at Witham Town tomorrow.

Relegated from the Ryman Premier League last campaign, Witham have had a below-par start this year, like so many of the other league favourites.

However, their 3-1 win at Waltham Abbey on Saturday showed they are slowly getting into their stride.

Bowers will be grateful to wave goodbye to August, having played all three relegated sides from the Ryman Premier League as well as Hornchurch, although with nine points to date they are currently one of the teams to beat.

WHAT HAPPENED ON SATURDAY?

Shomari Barnwell scored a late winner for Bowers & Pitsea as they maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a 3-2 win over much-fancied AFC Hornchurch.

Alfie Hilton and Brad Warner were also on target, although Bowers got off to the worse-possible start when Abs Thompson opened the scoring with a low drive.

George Purcell almost added to that lead but Bowers were level inside 20 minutes as Hilton took advantage of some lax defending to send his strike beyond the goalkeeper.

Level at the break, Bowers took the early initiative after the break with Warner hitting an excellent curling effort beyond Sam Mott in the away goal.

But the Urchins weren’t giving up and they weren’t behind for long as Elliot Styles rose highest to head the ball into the net with 35 minutes remaining.

Both sides exchanged chances before the winner came, with Barnwell profited from some more poor defending to nip in and head home.