Second-half goals from Harvey Brand, Tyrone Pink and Tunde Aderonmu ensured it was Becks who picked up all three points when Erith Town visited EPA on a damp and dreary Tuesday night. 

After a goalless first-half, The Dockers took the lead just a minute after the restart, but having had the better of the play before then, it was Becks who showed great character to bounce back for a win that lifted them to 5th. 

Playing in last season’s home kit after a mix-up at the launderette, Becks lined up in an attack-minded 4-3-3 with Bertie Valler’s place in midfield taken by recent signing Danny Phillips and Junior Kaffo operating in the sole holding role. 

The plan almost backfired early when the third member of the midfield trio – Ryan Hall – was dispossessed by Erith skipper Michael Power, but Joshua Jackson wasted the chance when he shot over. 

Becks captain Brand then forced a corner after a trademark thrust down the right before Phillips won a free-kick that ended when Steve Townsend flashed over. Centre-half Rob Carter then went long to find Townsend out on the left, the live-wire forward controlling beautifully before pulling a dangerous ball across the area – but no one was on hand to supply the finishing touch. 

At the other end, the burly Power dragged a shot wide. Tyrone Pink then shot over before Townsend missed by a whisker after cutting in from the left. Becks best move of the half should have led to the opening goal. Brand, Pink and Phillips combined to deliver for Aderonmu from the right but the ball got caught between his legs and the chance was gone. 

With Becks increasingly on top, Brand’s defensive header allowed Hall to go long and free Pink who was unlucky to hit the post with an excellent effort. With the minutes ticking and the corner count climbing Kaffo forced a save before Phillips fired high and wide.

Valler came on at half-time in place of Jamie Brown at left-back. But within a minute Becks were behind. Erith forced a corner and the ensuing delivery was powerfully headed in at the back post by the tall Tolu Jonah. 

It proved to be the wake-up call the home side needed and they were soon level – captain Brand rising highest to nod in a Hall corner from close-range for the equaliser. 

In the ascendency now, Kaffo and Hall both forced saves before Aderonmu slipped Pink through down the middle and a cool slide finish put the home side ahead. 

Aderonmu then spurned a chance to add a third following good work by Phillips and Townsend, having his initial shot saved before shooting over. But five minutes later the striker made amends when he latched on to Carter’s direct ball to race through and score the third goal. 

At the other end Powell fired in a couple of speculative efforts and after Aderonmu was replaced by Joe Nwoke, the visitors had what looked a decent penalty claim waved away. The perceived injustice from that incident led to a messy period as tempers flared, and led to the final drama of the night when Erith defender Ryan Mahal was sent off after lashing out at Townsend. 

BECKS LINEUP McEntegart; Brand (c),Brown (Valler), Hanifan, Carter; Kaffo, Hall, Phillips (Robertson); Pink, Aderonmu (Nwoko), Townsend
Subs not used: Paul, Wilson (GK)