BOWERS & Pitsea crashed out of the Velocity Cup at the first hurdle against Grays Athletic.

Goals from Kieran Bishop, who was later red-carded, and Ade Cole saw Grays triumph 2-0.

The visitors struck first at the Len Salmon Stadium, although it was made by Bowers.

A poor back pass by Martyn Stokes was seized upon by Bishop and he rounded goalkeeper Callum Chafer to blast into the goal.

Glenn Poole, recently returned to Grays, was denied a spectacular second by Chafer’s acrobatics, with Ben Sartain forcing the first save from Lamar Johnson in the away goal.

And Grays were to double their lead on the stroke of half-time.

Chafer was penalised for a trip on Bishop, with Cole stepping up to strike home the penalty.

Grays were in charge, and Chafer was again proving his worth in between the posts.

Gavin Cockman hit the post up the other end, as it continued to look as though Bowers were to be frustrated.

But Bishop was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession, although the away side were to hold on.