ROB Small was pleased with his side’s mentality as Bowers & Pitsea registered a 3-0 win over AFC Sudbury.

Second half goals from Martyn Stokes, Brad Warner and James Thomas ensured Bowers remain three points clear at the top of the Isthmian North.

And having lost to Heybridge Swifts and East Thurrock United - in the league and Essex Senior Cup respectively - in the last seven days, Small was overjoyed to see Bowers bounce back to winning ways.

“It was a very good performance which was similar to that at Heybridge,” said the Bowers chief.

“Although we created less chances than at Heybridge, we were good with and without the ball.

“We knew we needed to take our chances and although the first goal went in off Martyn’s shoulder, it gave everyone a lift.

“Having played well against Heybridge and East Thurrock but fail to score, we didn’t score in the first half again.

“But scoring three goals in the second half and not giving up shows the great mentality we have here.”

Bowers captain Stokes gave the hosts a 52nd minute lead at the Len Salmon Stadium.

Warner doubled Bowers’ advantage after Quentin Monville struck the post, while Thomas came off the bench and completed the scoring in the dying moments.

Bowers & Pitsea: Wilton, Sammons, Stephen, Stokes, Clark, Leahy (Cornhill 83), Monville, Sartain, Manor, Knight (Dicks 74), Warner (Thomas 86)