Saturday 7th September
FA CUP 1st QUALIFYING ROUND
BOWERS & PITSEA 2 – 1 BRENTWOOD TOWN

Brentwood’s short run in the FA Cup ended in Pitsea but not after they had given a very good account of themselves against Isthmian Premier opposition and only a late miss from the penalty spot prevented Blues from forcing a replay.

Town had a perfect start, taking the lead in only the third minute. Jason Williams won a corner on the right and Connor Hogan’s header was saved by home goalkeeper Callum Chafer, but Williams followed up to net the loose ball, his fifth goal of the season for Blues.

Bowers often looked a threat coming forward, but they only seriously threatened Tim Brown in the 41st minute when Quentin Monville forced the visiting keeper into a good save at his left-hand post.

It was Monville who equalised in the 52nd minute finding the bottom corner with a low shot past Brown. Max Cornhill swept home what proved to be the winner ten minutes later but not before Blues had twice threatened to retake the lead. Jacob Wiggins 20-yard strike was turned wide by Chafer and Ide Osimeh got forward to set up a good chance for Williams that the striker could not quite finish.

Brown saved well from James Thomas to keep it 2-1 before Blues were given a lifeline in the 83rd minute when former Brentwood defender Martyn Stokes caught Williams in the penalty area but Williams spot kick went well over the crossbar.

Brentwood Town: Brown, Osimeh, Toner, Kemsley, Pianim, Wiggins (Campbell 73), Anderson, Hogan, Williams, Milner, Freeman.