BOWERS & Pitsea’s supporters have helped to fund David Knight’s return to the club.

Knight sealed his return to the Len Salmon Stadium following his release from Canvey Island.

But boss Rob Small said the striker was only able to come back because of the fans.

“The move became available after David left Canvey, but it was the supporters that drove the signing and made the resources available,” said Small.

“I am really grateful for that and what they have done to help us get David to return to Bowers.

“I am really delighted to have him back.”

Knight made his first appearance back in the red and white stripes of Bowers in the 1-0 win over Grays Athletic on Tuesday night.

And the striker almost made an immediate impact, as he rattled the crossbar following good build-up play by Lewis Manor and Fahad Nyanja.

Tony Stokes scored what proved to be the only goal of the game when he found the back of the net after 20 minutes.

And Callum Chafer made some outstanding saves to preserve Bowers’ lead and allow his side to pick up a valuable three points in the Isthmian North.

Small added: “We needed that win.

“It was the performance that I was pleased with regardless of the result.

“We needed to show character and my players did that.

“So I was really pleased with that and the fact that we maintained our focus in getting the three points.”

While Knight was involved in his first game since his move back to the Len Salmon Stadium, it also proved to be the last time supporters would see Tom Stephen in a Bowers shirt.

Stephen was recalled by parent club Concord Rangers following the victory over Grays.

And Small was full of praise for his departing loanee.

“Tom was recalled by Concord after the game,” confirmed the Bowers boss.

“I am disappointed to see him go.

“But I am also pleased because now he will hopefully get some minutes in the National League South.”

However, Small is hoping to be boosted by the return of Tom Hine in the near future.

The right-back is awaiting scan results from the knee injury which forced him to be stretchered off in the FA Cup preliminary round defeat to Haringey Borough last month.

Small added: “Tom had his scan on Tuesday and we are awaiting the results now.”