Bowers & Pitsea 7-1 Clapton
League Challenge Cup
From Burroughs Park
BOWERS & Pitsea won their first trophy in 17 years after they ended this season’s Clapton hoodoo to claim a 7-1 win in the final of the Essex Senior League Challenge Cup.
A hat-trick from Vinny Durrant, a brace from Rob Whitnell and goals from Luke Wilson and Ashley Wackers-Kyriacou saw Bowers thump their beleaguered opponents this afternoon.
Bowers boss Rob Small had cut-short his weekend break to travel to Great Wakering Rovers for the cup final appearance.
However, it promised to be a tough test against a side Bowers hadn’t beaten in four previous appearances this term.
And they could have been behind inside the first 10 minutes, with Martyn Guest forced into a fine early save.
Back came Bowers, with two Lewis Manor efforts denied but they weren’t to be denied for long – Durrant crashing home after good work from Manor.
The second goal wasn’t long in coming although it appeared as though Whitnell had missed his chance after his penalty was tipped onto the crossbar, only for the striker to nod home the rebound.
Whitnell flicked on for Wilson to head home before the half-time break to give Bowers a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Bowers were rampant and Durrant jinked his way into the penalty area to drive home a fourth three minutes after the break.
Clapton, spurred on by their vociferous support, were not giving up and pulled one back when Jake Stevens profited from a rebound.
But two minutes later Bowers had their four-goal advantage back, as Manor, Durrant and Whitnell combined for the latter to score.
Two late strikes, from Wackers-Kyriacou and Durrant for his treble meant it was a comfortable win for Bowers, who rounded off a remarkable season in style.
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