The late goal finally ended Alston’s hopes of getting something from the game, last season’s champions given many nervy moments throughout the game by the visitors.
Alston started the encounter slowly, though, and only several fine saves from goalkeeper Jason Williams kept Bowes out in the early stages.
The away side finally got a foothold in the game and Dan Alexander went close on a couple of occasions but his attempts from distance, following good build-up play, just sailed wide.
Adam Dickson was the next to try his luck but his direct free kick was deflected over the bar.
The home side then countered and took the lead following a swift breakaway, a cross from the left landing on the head of the striker who gave Williams little chance.
Both teams started to tire in the heat after the restart and chances became few and far between, but Alston were denied an equaliser when Jack Currah’s powerful downward header was somehow tipped round the post by the agile home goalkeeper.
To rub salt into the wounds, Bowes produced the goal which killed the game deep into injury time from yet another counter attack, the ball squared into the area for a tap in.
Callum James was named Alston’s man of the match as he caused the home side many problems, but it just wasn’t to be for the battling visitors.
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