BOWERS & Pitsea’s penalty shoot-out hero Callum Chafer is thoroughly enjoying his second stint at the Len Salmon Stadium.

Chafer kept out Tobi Joseph’s effort from 12 yards as Bowers recorded a 5-3 shoot-out win over Canvey Island after the FA Cup third qualifying round replay finished 1-1 after 120 minutes.

And the goalkeeper was pleased to play a key role as Bowers reached the fourth qualifying round of the competition for the first time in the club’s history.

“I was buzzing after making the penalty save and helping the club into the next round,” said Chafer.

“I’ve saved a few penalties in my time here, but that one is up there with the most important saves.

“Luckily, one save was enough because the boys tucked away all five penalties.

“We don’t really practice penalties and it’s purely on instinct on my part.

“I have a 50/50 chance of saving it most of the time and I gamble.

“If I get there, I should always make the save and I guess the right side more often than not.”

Chafer is back at the Len Salmon Stadium after rejoining Bowers, following a year-long spell with Hornchurch, in the summer.

And Chafer admits it was a no-brainer to seal his return following Bowers’ Isthmian North title win ensured a first ever campaign in the third tier of non-league football.

“Everything has changed at the club except the people in the dressing room and those on the sidelines,” added Chafer.

“The boys have been brilliant and it was the hardest decision of my career for me to leave in the first place, but I wanted to play as high as I could.

“I had an opportunity to play at a higher level with Hornchurch but, when Bowers came up and there was a chance to return, it was a no-brainer to come back here.”

Although Joseph gave Canvey an early lead in the third qualifying round replay, Brad Warner’s attempted second half cross evaded everyone and found the back of the net.

Bowers went onto enjoy success in the penalty shoot-out and Chafer feels the triumph will give his team-mates a much-needed lift ahead of facing former club Hornchurch in an Isthmian Premier League clash this weekend.

“I think we needed the win because we’ve had a bad couple of weeks struggling to score goals and keep clean sheets,” admitted Chafer.

“Hopefully it’s the lift we needed before going up against who are probably the toughest team in the league.”