BOWERS & Pitsea aided their promotion bid by coming from behind and securing a share of the spoils despite an early dismissal at Maldon & Tiptree.

Jamie Dicks saw red, while a Lee Barnard penalty and Callum Chafer own goal put the hosts in the ascendancy before half-time.

But Callum Leahy and Martyn Stokes were on target as Rob Small’s side continue to push for a place in the Isthmian Premier League next season.

Bowers got off to a disappointing start as referee Scott Williams pointed to the spot following an Adalberto Pinto trip on Kieran Bailey. Former Southend United striker Barnard stepped up and sent Bowers goalkeeper Chafer the wrong way to convert the third minute penalty.

Fahad Nyanja became the first player to be shown a yellow card as the winger caught Jammers custodian Chris Haigh in the face after the shot-stopper had gathered a low David Knight cross inside 10 minutes.

Knight’s goalbound volley was blocked after being found by Lewis Manor’s flick-on as the visitors looked to get back on level terms.

But Bowers’ task became even more difficult when Dicks was shown a straight red card on 27 minutes.

Bowers felt Ben Sartain had been fouled by Bailey. However, the referee waved play on and Dicks collided with the man in the middle.

Dicks was shown a straight red card after the collision, which left the Bowers players and travelling supporters in disbelief.

The home side doubled their advantage as George Brown’s overhit cross struck the post and ricocheted off Chafer before ending up in the back of the net in the first minute of stoppage time.

Barnard nearly completed his brace when his volley was impressively tipped over the crossbar by Chafer less than 10 minutes after the break.

Chafer then made another superb fingertip save to divert Ryan Clampin’s thunderous drive off target.

Brown’s weak shot was easily collected by Chafer following good hold-up play by Canvey Island loanee James Walker.

And Bowers were to half the deficit moments later as Manor released Leahy, who fired beyond Haigh to reduce the arrears.

Barnard forced into Chafer into a fine save, while Brown was also denied, as the Jammers aimed to restore their two-goal lead.

However, against all odds, the 10 men got back on level terms with less than 10 minutes to play as Stokes slammed the ball over the line following a goalmouth scramble to notch a debut goal.

Manor diverted a Sartain free-kick goalwards as Bowers went in search of an unlikely winner, but Haigh was equal to the effort.

Neither side could secure all three points and it was to end honours even.

Bowers & Pitsea: Chafer, Boswell (Easterford 31), Thomas, Stokes, Pinto, Leahy, Dicks, Sartain, Knight (Vyse 57), Manor, Nyanja (Salmon 83)