Cup Defeat At Bowers

Bowers came out of the blocks well, taking the lead on six minutes. A good cross from right-back Adam Hine found Luke Hirst in the box. His header was well-saved by 'Side keeper Charlie Howson, butnthe rebound fell to Lewis Manor who taped home to score.

Rob Smalll's Isthmian Premier outit went in search of a second, going close with a strike that cannoned back off thevwoidwork. 'Side would keep their composure though and equalised on 24 minutes through Francesco Balestrini's neat finish. It was the midfielder's second goal in the FA Cup this seaaon, following his strike against Stansted in the previous round.

Shortly after Steven Le Sage was forced into a early substitution when full-back Shaquel Foyewa came off injured. Winger Ali Rajim was brought on as his replacement, as 'Side were made to reshuffle.

The scores were only level for eight minutes as forward Manor made it 2-1 to Bowers on 32 minutes. It was a well-taken strike, which gave keeper Howson no chance meaning Bowers would go into the break 2-1 up.

'Side kept their composure in the second-half, making it difficult for Bowers to break them down, The hosts would correctly have a goal ruled out correctly for offside, with the game in the balance entering the last 15 minutes.

With 12 minutes left 'Side made it 2-2 through Rajim. It was the wideman's second in the Cup this season and one which looked like earning Le Sage's men a replay back at Cricklefields in the week.

However straight from the kick-off Bowers regained the lead, with experienced striker David Knight (who previously played for 'Side) slotting home to make it 3-2 on 79 minutes. Five minutes later it was game-over as Quentin Monville's shot went in off a post to put Small's men through to the next round.

Despite losing, it had been a good display by 'Side who just fell short against a team three divisions higher than them.
They are next in action now on Saturday 31st August, when they face FC Broxbourne Borough in the FA Vase away. That First Round Qualifying tie takes place at Cheshunt's Goff Lane with kick-off at 3pm.

We wish Bowers all the best in the next round and for the rest of their season.

'Side: Charlie Howson, Nathan Saunders, Josh Hayward (Muyiwa Osenie), Berkcan Belindir, Shaquel Foyewa (Ali Rajim), Jordan Meikle, Joe Strange, Francesco Balestrini, Jacob Dingli, Joe Oates, Ben Clarke (Omar Abdul-Aziz)

Subs Not Used: Thiago Lopes, Josh Bashua, Jude Fudge