After a perfect start to 2025 with a 3-1 win over Hastings United on New Year’s Day, Invicta face a trip across the Dartford bridge on Saturday to visit Bowers & Pitsea.

With a point at Lewes on Boxing Day follow by back to back wins at the Alcaline Stadium, Invicta have climbed to 8th in the Isthmian Premier Division, 4 points from the playoffs.

Evans Kouassi has scored in the 1st minute of our last 2 fixtures, a feat we are assuming is a first in Invicta history while defender Marvel Ekpiteta scored his first goal for the club.

Team News

Sam Blackman and Nathan Green remain the only absentees through injury for Saturday’s match, giving Andy Drury a nearly full squad to select from.

Winger Tyler Anderson has departed the club after his short spell in search of more game time. We thank Tyler for his efforts and wish him the best for his next chapter.

Khale Da Costa has joined Potters Bar Town on a 1-month loan.

From The Manager

Manager Andy Drury spoke ahead of the fixture: “After a tough run of results in December, we are delighted with the performances since Christmas as we picked up 7 points from 9. I said after we earned a point at Lewes on Boxing Day that we hoped it would be the start of another positive run and we have won 2 home games since, we head to Essex on Saturday looking to continue that run and put pressure on the teams sat directly above us.

Evans has come back into the squad after his loan and has been fantastic, scored twice and set up two more. When he is on this form he is unplayable, so it’s a real boost to us to have him back. We have also had goals from both Gayley and Marv [Ekpiteta], it’s good to have goals shared around as we have maybe been a little reliant on Smithy, but 4 players chipped in with goals over the 2 recent home games which is important.

I’d like to thank the supporters who joined us for the games over Christmas, it was a long trip on Boxing Day for people to get to Lewes and the weather on New Year’s Day was particularly horrific, but their support is always fantastic and it is hugely appreciated by the players and staff.”

Previously

The clubs met on 5 occasions between Bowers & Pitsea’s promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division in 2019 and their relegation back to the Isthmian North in 2023. The sides have taken 2 wins each, with both of Bowers’ wins coming at the Len Salmon Stadium although Invicta did pick up 3 points there in 2022.

Invicta also visited the Len Salmon Stadium last season, picking up a point against Hashtag United.

Last 5

14/12/19 – Bowers & Pitsea 3-1 Invicta
08/02/22 – Invicta 2-2 Bowers & Pitsea
12/03/22 – Bowers & Pitsea 2-3 Invicta
30/11/22 – Invicta 4-1 Bowers & Pitsea
25/03/23 – Bowers & Pitsea 3-1 Invicta

The Opposition

Just a year after relegation from the Isthmian Premier Division in 2023, Bowers & Pitsea returned as North Division playoff winners last summer, beating Felixstowe & Walton United and Brentwood Town on penalties.

It has been a tough return to step 3 with the club currently sat 23rd in the table with 17 points from 23 games. Manager James Collins departed on Christmas Eve with a new manager set to be unveiled on Friday evening before our visit.

Last 6

07/12 – Cray Wanderers (H) – Lost 1-0
14/12 – Carshalton Athletic (H) –  Lost 3-0
17/12 – Cheshunt (A) – Lost 1-0
21/12 – Hastings United (A) – Won 4-2
26/12 – Hashtag United (H) – Drew 2-2
28/12 – Chatham Town (A) – Lost 3-1

Key Man

Having previous been at Hashtag United, Alex Teniola joined Cray Wanderers in the summer before returning to familiar surroundings when he joined their former landlords in September. Bowers & Pitsea have found goals hard to come by, but Teniola is joint top scorer with 5 including goals in their last 2 fixtures having into the New Year.

The Venue

Travel

Always check rail times/strike action before you travel. 

The closest rail station to The Len Salmon Stadium is Pitsea. Using the Southeastern Highspeed service change at Stratford International and take the DLR to West Ham or if using the London Bridge service head to Fenchurch Street to the c2c service to Pitsea. The stadium is a 25 minute walk from Pitsea station, although this can be shortened by using the B3 Basildon Shuttles.

Alternatively you can head to Basildon Station, again taking the Highspeed service to Stratford International but changing to Stratford (London). The B3 Basildon Shuttles will again take you to the Len Salmon Stadium from Basildon bus station which is a short walk from the train station.

Admission  

Supporters can pay on the turnstile for this fixture or can purchase online in advance. You can purchase online here

• Adult: £12
• Concessions (Over 65): £8
• U16: £5
• U12: £1