SCOTT Pethers says Bowers & Pitsea's ability to manage expectations is a key reason behind their excellent start to the season.

Having won promotion from the Essex Senior League last year, Bowers have made a barn-storming start to life in the Ryman North and sit fifth after 12 games played.

Following Saturday's excellent 2-1 win at Thurrock in the FA Trophy, Bowers turn their attentions back to the league tonight and the visit of Maldon & Tiptree, another team much is expected of this year.

But club captain Pethers says Bowers' ability to manage games in the right way is proving its worth, as the team strives for 45 points - a total manager Rob Small believes will be enough to keep them in the division.

"We need to manage the expectations," said Pethers, 28. "We need to get 45 points. It was all win, win, win last season and that mentality is still here and that is down to Smallsy and Frank (Everett). This is a big jump.

"Focus is the main thing on and off the pitch. It is a 90 minute test but last year we had games won in 20 minutes. There are no freebies and all training sessions count.

"It can come down to one corner or pattern of play and we need to be alert to all of this.

"Maldon will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season and what a great thing for little old Bowers to be pitting our wits against teams like this, who have so many resources and so much history.

"It is so exciting to be involved in.

"What is different is last year we knew what we were coming up against every week.

"This is all new to us and have to keep doing what we can do and see where we are at after 90 minutes."

Pethers was part of the team that went on last year's miraculous FA Vase journey, getting to the semi-final stage before crashing out following a late goal at Morpeth Town in heartbreaking fashion.

But the man who was minutes away from leading Bowers out at Wembley says the team all still talk about the run, with memories resurfacing as they swapped the Vase for the Trophy on Saturday following their promotion, "It was a very good result at Thurrock," he said. "We knew it was going to be tough and it is a good gauge for us as everyone sees them as one of the benchmarks.

"A lot of the boys here that experienced that run last year and that was a once in a lifetime moment for us all.

"But it was nice to move onto the FA Trophy following our promotion. But what we did last year will always be with us and make us proud."