SKIPPER STOKES NODS OPENER

BOWERS & Pitsea were made to battle as they overcame AFC Sudbury to stay top.

Both sides traded chances to open the scoring, Callum Harrison driving wide for Sudbury while Ben Sartain saw Paul Walker use his trailing leg to keep the scores level at the Len Salmon Stadium.

The final piece of action before the half-time interval saw a Brad Warner corner smash against the post to close an otherwise lacklustre opening half for the league leaders.

But the home side were able to wear down Sudbury in the second half, with captain Martyn Stokes heading them in front with a powerful effort.

Warner took his chance to double the advantage, following in to score after Quentin Monville had hit the post. Substitute James Thomas scored at the death from Max Cornhill’s flick-on to put the gloss on a flattering result for the hosts, who struggled to put the game away.

STAR MAN: Ben Sartain (Bowers & Pitsea) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★