By Dan Thurogood

 

BOWERS & Pitsea’s Rob Whitnell scored a hat-trick as Rob Small's men romped to a 7-0 victory over rivals Southend Manor.

Whitnell scored a header and a penalty in the opening ten minutes before Lewis Manor added a third just before the break. Second half goals from Luke Wilson, a second for Manor and an unfortunate own goal made it six before Whitnell completed his hat-trick on full-time.

Such a lethal partnership last season, Lewis Manor and Whitnell combined for the opening two strikes, with the latter grabbing the goals.

But Manor did get his goal, after pouncing after a Whitnell shot was saved.

Luke Wilson got in on the act when he converted Vinny Durrant’s corner, with Manor bagging Bowers’ fifth on the hour, slotting into the opposite corner past the despairing keeper.

A bullet header by Whitnell at the end rounded off a superb victory for Bowers, and manager Small said he was delighted with the result.

“It’s a cliché but goals change games and that was the case today,” said Small. “The two early goals settled us down and allowed us to dominate. We took our chances well today which is something we need to become more consistent at.

"Our season has been a stuttering one so far but I’m sure my side will be there or there abouts come the end of the season."

Hullbridge Sports drew 3-3 in a thrilling encounter with Barking, on a pitch badly affected by the rain.

Sports scored against the run of play to go one up through Harry Skinner, but Barking replied immediately and then went 2-1 up, going ahead from the penalty spot.

But Hullbridge pulled back with a Luke Hornsley goal only for Barking to regain the lead with a well-placed shot.

But the goal of the game came from a late free-kick, which Sam Taylor bent around the wall and into the net to give Sports a deserved point.

Basildon United were 4-2 winners against basement club Enfield 1893.

Brad Warner and Jordan Williams put the Bees 2-0 up before the hosts saw a man sent off.

Enfield got a goal back only for Brad Hunter to restore the two-goal advantage before the half-time break.

Stroyan Nelson completed the scoring for Basildon United as Craig Gillam’s side ended the evening in third place.