Bostik North Bowers & Pitsea 3 AFC Sudbury 0 AFC Sudbury travelled into Essex to visit league leaders Bowers & Pitsea but after a great first half performance they slipped to defeat, writes Darren Theobald.

With Billy Holland still suspended AFC Sudbury went with an unchanged XI, Phil Kelly returned and was on the bench.

Sudbury boss Mark Morsley watched from the stands, seeing out his dugout ban, with the 124 others in attendance as Bowers were fast out the traps – route one football seemed to be their plan, with some tall target men to aim for.

Sudbury did well to hold out as the pressure was relentless for the first 15 minutes, but when they did get the ball and pass their way out they did well.

A flowing move down the right resulted in a great opportunity for Callum Harrison, but the final shot was poor and off target, something that was Sudbury’s undoing.

Another opportunity for a corner was headed over by Baris Altintop. Sudbury then started to build with confidence and passed the ball a lot better.

The first half ended 0-0. Sudbury would have been the happier of the two teams as Bowers did have the best opportunities to take the lead.

The second half however, was a different story. The home side took the lead on 52 minutes from a corner which was headed home by Martyn Stokes. Then, bizarrely, the Bowers keeper tried to throw the ball out, but threw it behind him and picked it up again resulting in an indirect free kick to Sudbury.

They initially took it quickly and Harrison slotted home, however the referee wanted it taken again, and the second attempt was not as successful, hitting the defence and being cleared.

Sudbury did have chances to equalise, Darryl Coakley blasted wide, Harrison’s effort went over and second half sub, Phil Kelly, was also guilty of not being on target.

But it was Bowers who did take their chances and against the run of play went 2-0 up on 77 minutes. In injury time they added a third, a score very flattering to the hosts.

Next for Sudbury is a home friendly against Harwich and Parkeston on Tuesday, free entry for all with an 8pm KO.