Brentwood Town fell short against the league leaders with a 3-1 defeat to Needham Market at the Brentwood Arena.
Luke Ingram got a brilliant brace with a 25 yard half volley and another close range strike. Sam Newson chipped in with the third after poor keeping from Bowles.
Substitute Sherwin Stanley scored a consolation in injury time for Brentwood, to make sure the visitors did not leave with a clean sheet.
Brentwood had the first opportunity as Tom Richardson was played in over the defence and the keeper’s clearance came off Richardson but his volley towards an empty net was cleared off the line.
Needham had a great chance 36 minutes in as Ian Westlake was in after poor defending but his shot was superbly saved by Bowles and the rebound was put into the side netting.
In added time of the first half, Needham had another great chance as the ball fell inside the box to Oliver Fenn whose half volley was blocked by a last ditch tackle by captain Martyn Stokes.
Needham took the lead five minutes into the second half as Ingram struck a half volley from 25 yards which fizzed into the top corner, Bowles at full stretch had no chance.
Alex Akrofi had a chance as he darted in and out of the Needham defenders but over ran it as Shaun Phillips pounced on the ball.
The away side extended their lead, through great play as Sam Newson was slotted in but his original shot was well saved by Bowles but came out to Ingram who fired in the rebound from close range.
Needham’s third came shortly after as a shot by Newson looked to be held by Bowles, but unfortunately could not hold on to the low bobbling shot as it found its way into the net.
Brentwood grabbed a consolation in injury time as James Love’s volley was blocked only to substitute Sherwin Stanley to tuck it in at the far post, as Needham took home all three points.
Brentwood Town Lineup: Ollie Bowles, Jack Gardner (74), Louis Baucutt, Martyn Stokes ©, Ryan O’Rawe, James Love, Daryl Robson, Shad Ngandu, Sam Bantick (84), Tom Richardson (74), Alex Akrofi
Substitutes: Christian Mbulu (74), Sherwin Stanley (74), Robbie Rees, Adam Flanagan, Michael Osei (84)
Needham Market Lineup: Shaun Phillips, Oliver Brown, Darryl Coakley, Kieran Morphew, Oliver Fenn, Joe Wright, Luke Ingram, Kemel Izzet ©, Sam Newson, Michael Brothers (86), Ian Westlake (86)
Substitutes: Ryan Crisp (86), Rhys Henry, Adam Mills (86), Samuel Nunn, Lee Norfolf
Attendance: 100