BOWERS & Pitsea manager Rob Small says he is resigned to finishing in the play-off positions after Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat against Hertford Town.

Bowers knew a point would give them the upper hand heading into the final game of the season against Brentwood Town.

But defeat against Hertford - who had previously lost each of their last six games - means Bowers are a point behind Potters Bar Town.

And while Small is hopeful Barking can take points off Potters Bar on Saturday, he doesn’t think it will happen.

“I think we are resigned to the play-offs,” he said. “That is still a fantastic place to be.

“I am mindful of hope as we were relying on results last season and that didn’t work out for us on the final day. I don’t expect Potters Bar to drop points.

“Hertford had lost six in a row before we played them and they were excellent. But that is what we are up against.

“That defeat doesn’t define the season and it was disappointing. It was a golden chance for us but we have had chances to get that extra point we trail Potters Bar by over the last 45 matches so the Hertford game wasn’t decisive in that regard.”