BOWERS & Pitsea will be hoping that history does not repeat itself when they welcome Brentwood Town to the Len Salmon Stadium tomorrow.

Rob Small’s Isthmian North table-toppers suffered their first defeat of the season in the reverse fixture, with Brentwood claiming a deserved 3-0 win.

The reverse brought a 12 match unbeaten run to an abrupt end and, with Bowers looking to reach 10 consecutive victories this weekend, Small is hoping Brentwood will not stop another memorable streak.

The Bowers boss said: “We went to Brentwood in really good form in November, but we were well beaten.

“We have only lost two games all season. We played well when we were beaten by Heybridge Swifts, but we were poor from start to finish at Brentwood.

“It’s clear that we will have to be a lot better this time around and they are in good form.

“They have won their last three games and they’re a good team.

“It will be a big test for us and we are mindful of the fact that we were well beaten the last time we played them.”

A number of familiar faces are also likely to feature for Brentwood this weekend.

Former Bowers frontman Charlee Hughes grabbed both goals as Brentwood registered a 2-0 win over Romford last time out and Small is eager for his side to keep the in-form striker quiet.

“There are a lot of ex-Bowers players in their team so there will be that extra bit of spice,” added Small.

“They had five former Bowers players in their starting line-up last weekend and I hope they have good memories from their time at the club.

“I think they’ve got a good relationship with me and the players still here as well, but we’re aware that they are Brentwood players now.

“We will put the friendships to one side because both teams will be wanting to get the win.”

Bowers will be without the suspended Callum Leahy, who starts his ban after being sent off in the 2-1 victory over Mildenhall Town last time out.

And Small, who will also be unable to call upon the injured Richard Halle and Ben Sartain, may look to use a different formation against 11th-placed Brentwood.

“Brentwood will present a tough challenge for us and, with Callum suspended, it will be the first time in a while that I have had to change the shape of the team,” admitted Small.

“We will change the shape of the team and see if it works.

“But I have full confidence in whoever takes Callum’s place.”