BOWERS & Pitsea were able to claim a 5-0 win at Romford thanks to an outstanding first half display.

Bowers had a three-goal lead going into half-time thanks to goals from Lewis Clark, Martyn Stokes and Ben Sartain.

And Martyn Stokes completed his brace three minutes after the break, before central defensive partner Clark headed home in stoppage time to wrap up a comfortable victory for the away side.

Rob Small’s side totally dominated the opening 45 minutes, with the visitors taking a three-goal lead while also hitting the crossbar and having a goal disallowed.

Bowers took the lead with just three minutes on the clock as Callum Leahy was thwarted by Michael Gooch following a Ben Sartain free kick, only for Clark tap home the rebound from a yard out.

The visitors continued to apply the pressure, with Romford struggling to get out of their own half.

David Knight, making his second appearance after returning to the club, was then caught narrowly offside before lobbing the Romford goalkeeper.

But Bowers’ second goal of the match would come soon after as Martyn Stokes powered his header into the back of the net from a Knight corner.

Four minutes later, Bowers should have notched a third.

Sartain drove at the home backline before sliding the ball through for Knight.

The striker, who caused Romford’s defence problems all afternoon, sent a low cross into the penalty area and Tony Stokes could only direct his effort from eight yards out onto the crossbar.

However, Bowers were to extend their lead just before the interval through Sartain.

Gavin Cockman expertly flicked on a long pass from Martyn Stokes into the path of Tony Stokes, whose pass across the face of goal found Sartain to slide home.

And the Bowers pressure continued after the break, as Martyn Stokes got a slight touch on to a James Thomas cross to divert the ball into the back of the net for Bowers’ fourth three minutes after half-time.

Sam Mvemba then forced Callum Chafer, who was making his first appearance against Romford since leaving Ship Lane for Bowers.

Romford pushed for a consolation goal and Chafer made an outstanding save down to his left to deny Greg Akpele from five yards out.

Just a minute later, Nick Reynolds had a close-range effort disallowed for offside.

And although Akpele hit just wide for Romford late on, the home side were unable to stop Bowers keeping a second consecutive clean sheet.

Clark popped up with a late header to round off a pleasing afternoon for Small’s charges.

Bowers & Pitsea: Chafer, Clark, Durrant (Thomas 21’), M. Stokes, Nyanja, Sartain, Mallett, Leahy (Sighiartau 77’), Knight, Cockman (Brown 60’), T. Stokes