Bowers win the clash of the North Titans

When your social media feeds are full of excited Bowers & Pitsea fans celebrating you can be sure that something special has happened- and you'd be right! Last night the Len Salmon Stadium hosted a Friday Night Football Feast which had a similar result to the game that millions were watching on the TV, but undoubtedly more passion and purpose. Bowers & Pitsea, in second place, were taking on leaders AFC Hornchurch under the lights, in a match that may have real significance come the end of the season.

The Urchins controlled the opening stages without fashioning many chances, but the home side took the lead six minutes before the break with their first shot on target; Jamie Dicks taking a knock down from Lewis Manor to fire home. The Urchins worked hard but failed to find a response, and Bowers closed the gap at the top to seven points, to the delight of most of the 410 in attendance.

Bowers are six points ahead of Potters Bar in the final automatic promotion place, but given the Scholars have two matches in hand this battle could go right to the wire. Bowers, who don't play again until next weekend, have a run-in which includes games against Heybridge Swifts, Dereham Town and Maldon & Tiptree, all of whom may well be battling for points in the playoff race, whilst the Bar start by entertaining Dereham today, but also need to face the Urchins and Swifts, as well as having matches against relegation threatened Romford and Ware (twice).

Whatever happens, it seems assured that the climax to the Bostik North campaign will provide thrills a-plenty.