ROB Small is hoping to see Bowers & Pitsea get back to winning ways at a stadium they faltered at last season.

Bowers missed out on automatic promotion to the Isthmian Premier League by just a point last term and a 2-0 defeat to Barking proved costly.

And Bowers, who are currently second in the Isthmian North standings and two points adrift of table-topping Aveley, return to Mayesbrook Park tomorrow.

Bowers boss Small said: “Barking is always a tough place to go to and their manager (Justin Gardner) will have his team fired up.

“They will expect to get a positive result on their own patch and it’s one of the most difficult games of the season.

“We went to Barking last season and were beaten quite comprehensively.

“Without a doubt, we will need to perform better than we did on that day because otherwise we will get nothing from the game.”

Bowers head to Barking, who are 13th in the standings, without a win in their last three outings.

An unbeaten start to the Isthmian North season was broken at Brentwood Town and, since then, Bowers have also been knocked out of the Essex Senior Cup by Romford and thrown away a two-goal to be left with just a point against Bury Town.

And, although Small admitted his side must return to form if they want to continue their challenge for promotion, he says there is no reason to panic.

“There is nothing to panic about,” added Small.

“But it would be nice to get back into the habit of winning games.

“When you are going to Barking, you need to go back to basics.

“The primary objective is to be hard to beat and stay in the game.

“Then if you’re able to go on and nick a goal to get the win, then that would be perfect.”

Bowers were due to face Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian League Cup on Tuesday night but saw the fixture postponed.

However, Bowers moved quickly to arrange a friendly with Essex Senior League side Redbridge.

Lewis Manor, Brad Warner, David Knight, Luke Hirst, James Thomas and Ryan Sammons hit the back of the net as Bowers registered a thumping 6-1 win.

But Small was left frustrated by some players picking up injuries.

“Max Cornhill had to come off in the first half and it was one of those where you can’t risk leaving him on any longer,” admitted Small.

“Max Harbrow, who is one of our under-23 players, fractured his hand as well but you can’t dwell on these things because they could have picked up the injuries in a training session anyway.”

Bowers’ fixture at Barking will kick-off at 2pm.