ROSS Adams says Bowers & Pitsea’s never say die attitude spurred him on to a man-of-the-match performance on Saturday...the afternoon did not play out as the midfielder had expected.

The 27-year-old started Saturday’s match against Eton Manor in his preferred central position but when goalkeeper Dylan Skinner was shown a straight red card after just two minutes and with no substitute goalkeeper available, it was Adams who donned the gloves.

The penalty was scored and it promised to be a long afternoon for Rob Small’s men. But a remarkable turnaround saw the 10 men score four unanswered goals, with Adams keeping a clean sheet.

And the man referred to as “Mr Versatility” said he was pleased to play an important role as Bowers stayed three points clear at the top of the Essex Senior League.

“I have played in goal before a few times when I have needed to and I knew when Dylan was sent off I was going in goal,” he said. “I don’t mind taking one for the team and the afternoon actually played out really well for us.

“I thought the red card was harsh as we had a covering player but he was sent off. Ashley Wackers-Kyriacou offered to go in but we needed him up front as we wanted to win the game.

“I was fairly confident and I made a few saves and took a few crosses so I was pleased although a lot of credit has to go to the back three. It was my best goalkeeping performance though!

“The attitude of the whole group is we don’t know when we are beaten. We will always fight until the end and that was going to be the case on Saturday.”

Small was also full of praise for the midfielder, and team’s display.

“It doesn’t get much worse than losing your goalkeeper with so much of the game left to play,” he said. “I said to the players that getting a result under these circumstances would be something we would never forget and I am lost for words at what they achieved on Saturday.

“When it came down to the crunch they performed heroics, especially Ross.”

Bowers host Wadham Lodge in the Essex Senior Cup tonight, although Adams added he hoped he could revert to a midfield position for the tie.

“I am happy to play anywhere but outfield would definitely be a preference!”