Match Preview

After all the turkey, tinsel and presents, Blues fans have a Boxing Day league outing to Bowers & Pitsea to look forward to. And note that kick-off is at Midday.

Bowers FC were formed immediately after WWII, playing in local leagues until 1974 when they joined the Essex Senior League, where they stayed for over 40 years, a period sprinkled with league and cup successes. Their original ground stood on the site of what is now Pitsea Market and a later pitch disappeared when the A13 was built. In 2004, Pitsea FC were absorbed into the club, forming the side that we see today. Things took a major step forward in the 2015-16 season, when promotion to the Isthmian League was secured for the first time, together with a run to the semi-final of the FA Vase, only losing 4-3 on aggregate to the eventual winners, Morpeth Town.

In 2018-19, B&P won Division 1 North, gaining promotion to the Isthmian Premier League, with a further milestone in season 2021-22 when a first ever appearance in the First Round proper of the FA Cup was secured, with a headline tie against Lincoln City, the reward.

Last season saw B&P relegated out of the Premier Division back into 1 North, where they have made a strong start this year. The league table currently sees them in one of the playoff places, looking for a swift return up the pyramid. Nine wins in sixteen games is a fine return. Recent games have also been good value for money, with goals at both ends in each of their last six games.

Our two clubs have little on-pitch history, just a couple of friendlies and cup meetings, as well as two seasons together in Isthmian 1 North between 2017-19. Honours were relatively even in those games, with two wins for B&P, one for Grays and one draw. Last season, fans will remember, we met in the final of the Essex Thameside Trophy, with B&P winning by the odd goal in five.

So everything is set for some fine festive entertainment.

Come on You Blues !!