BOWERS & Pitsea are into the second qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time thanks to a superb display from David Knight.

The striker netted four times against Takeley as Bowers won 5-1 to progress.

Bowers were league rivals of Takeley’s just two years ago and manager Rob Small was not about to take the Essex Senior league outfit lightly.

After just 60 seconds, Bowers had the lead. Quentin Monville’s strike was blocked by fumbled by Takeley goalkeeper Ronnie Yates and Knight was on hand to tap the loose ball home.

Yates was able to thwart Knight five minutes later when his fierce free-kick was tipped onto the face of the post.

Bowers were totally dominant but it wasn’t until the half hour until the lead was doubled. A foul on Lewis Manor in the penalty area was penalised and Knight made no mistake from 12 yards.

And that was when the floodgates opened. Excellent work by Monville saw him cut back for Knight to complete his treble before the break with the same man providing for Manor 60 seconds later.

But Bowers were to concede their first goal shortly after the interval. Former Billericay Town striker Charlie Cole profited on a rare mistake at the back and scored for Takeley.

Knight scored his fourth five minutes later and while there were chances to add to that tally, five was enough at the close.

Great Wakering Rovers came from behind to get the better of Wisbech Town and advance past the first qualifying round for the first time in 12 years.

The Northern Premier League Division One East side had needed a penalty shoot-out to reach this stage of the competition but looked sharp in the early stages.

Alex Beck put Wisbech ahead but it wasn’t to last long. Five minutes before half-time and five minutes after going behind Steve Butterworth pulled Rovers level.

On the hour the game had been turned on its head, with Ollie Woodhouse putting Rovers in front.

Jack Renew added a third in the final 10 minutes to ensure a 3-1 victory.

Basildon United’s perfect start to the season was ended by Peterborough Sports in the FA Cup, going down 2-0.

Both were aiming to maintain previously unbeaten starts to the season.

Sports had needed a replay on Tuesday to reach this stage, with only two late goals booking their place.

And the visitors made the faster start in Essex.

After 10 minutes Josh McCammon powered Peterborough in front, with Basildon frustrated as both Marcus Bowers and Darren Phillips received yellow cards in the first 15 minutes.

Paul Malone headed wide for Sports but Basildon were to improve. Jack Adlington and debutant Reece Placid had half chances but neither failed to truly test the goalkeeper.

Basildon’s winning start was under real threat after 50 minutes. Malone added a second for Sports and they held on to advance.