BOWERS & Pitsea strengthened their automatic promotion bid by securing a 1-0 win over champions-elect AFC Hornchurch.

Jamie Dicks notched what proved to be the only goal of the evening as Rob Small’s side moved six points clear of third-placed Potters Bar Town in the Isthmian North standings.

The Urchins created the early pressure, with George Purcell having a low strike blocked.

Brad Warner then came close to coming back and haunting his former club, as he latched onto a long ball over the top from Alex Bentley. But Bowers goalkeeper was quick off his line and turned Warner’s effort behind.

And from the resulting corner, Chafer made an even better save to keep out Olumide Oluwatimilerhin’s close range header.

Those saves proved crucial as Bowers took a 39th minute lead thanks to their first meaningful strike of the evening.

Lewis Manor controlled a high ball on the edge of the visitors’ penalty area before Dicks swept the ball into the far corner of the net to send the majority of the 410 supporters in the Len Salmon Stadium into raptures.

And the hosts finished the first half strongly, with David Knight’s dipping free-kick curling just wide of the target.

Purcell should have done better just before the hour mark, as he swivelled past Ryan Boswell, but the frontman sent his strike high over the crossbar from just eight yards out.

Minutes later, Manor headed a Knight free-kick back across the face of goal but captain Martyn Stokes was unable to turn the ball home.

Urchins goalkeeper Sam Mott parried away a 30 yard free-kick from Knight, which looked destined for the back of the net, while the custodian also repelled Manor following good link-up play with Ben Sartain as the clash entered the final five minutes.

But one goal proved to be enough as Bowers returned to winning ways following the disappointing midweek defeat at Barking.

Bowers & Pitsea: Chafer, Boswell, Thomas, Stokes, Pinto, Leahy, Dicks, Sartain, Knight, Manor, Nyanja