Bowers & Pitsea crowned Isthmian North champions with win over Dereham Town

Rob Small’s side needed just a point to ensure they will be playing Isthmian Premier League football next season, but they were able to claim a comfortable victory at the Len Salmon Stadium.

A David Knight hat-trick and second half header from Lewis Clark ensured Bowers would record a 14th consecutive triumph.

Bowers enjoyed the majority of possession early on and a Brad Warner corner struck the crossbar moments after Dereham goalkeeper Elliott Pride parried a driven cross from Warner away.

The hosts broke the deadlock midway through the first half as James Thomas, enjoying his 100th appearance for Bowers, latched onto a loose ball and Isthmian North top goalscorer Knight was on hand to convert the dangerous cross from close range.

Ben Sartain, who came on as an early substitute after Max Cornhill struggled to shake off an early knock, then tested Pride as Bowers went in search of a two-goal cushion.

Dereham responded with Adam Plumstead forcing Bowers custodian Andy Wilton into a sprawling save five minutes before the break.

But Bowers doubled their advantage just two minutes later as Knight’s header bounced up and into the top corner of the net after meeting Quentin Monville’s cross.

There was still time for Adam Hipperson to strike the crossbar after Wilton had denied Plumstead before the break.

But Bowers remained dominant in the second period and Clark nodded home five minutes after the interval.

Thomas passed up a good chance after being found by a Monville cutback, while Warner’s long range thunderbolt went inches over the crossbar.

Warner then lashed wide before Sartain was thwarted by Pride from close range.

Knight rounded off a day for the club to remember by completing his hat-trick – and scoring his 35th Isthmian North goal of the season – late on.

Bowers & Pitsea: Wilton, Sammons (Hine 82), Stephen, Stokes, Clark, Leahy, Monville, Cornhill (Sartain 23), Warner, Knight, Thomas (Lock 74)