BRETT Munyard believes White Ensign’s friendly with Bowers & Pitsea is ideal after two weeks without a fixture.

The Eastern Senior League Division One South club will make the short trip to the Len Salmon Stadium to take on Bowers, who top the Isthmian North standings, tonight.

And White Ensign player-manager Munyard is looking forward to seeing his side tested by Bowers.

Munyard said: “It’s always good to test yourself against sides in higher leagues than you.

“We have done this for the entire time I’ve been here, whether it be in pre-season or during the season.

“We have always done well and been competitive.

“We never turn down a challenge and the opportunity to test ourselves.

“The main thing we are looking to get out of the friendly is a good workout because we haven’t had a game for more than two weeks and we need minutes badly.

“Playing a side like Bowers will ensure that everyone has to play to their maximum and give everything, otherwise we will be on the end of a hiding and that won’t benefit anyone.”

Bowers are just 10 points away from clinching the Isthmian North title.

And Munyard is full of praise for Bowers boss Rob Small.

“It’s been a fantastic year for Bowers and it’s been coming, in all honesty, as they obviously came close to winning promotion last season too,” added Munyard.

“I’ve known Rob for a long time and he’s done a wonderful job at Bowers from the moment he walked in.

“You only have to look at where the club was and where the club is today and a huge part of that is down to Rob.

“Rob has proved that you don’t need to jump up the leagues by accepting attractive jobs.

“If your club backs you and can meet your expectations then there’s no reason to just jump ship.

“So, of course, I look at people like Rob and it shows it can be done. He’s worked wonders at Bowers and I’m sure he will continue to do so.”

Having been neck-and-neck with Eastern Senior League Division One South leaders Hashtag United for the majority of the season, some disappointing results has seen White Ensign drop 11 points adrift of top spot.

But Munyard still has faith in his players.

Munyard admitted: “It’s extremely important that we are not too down about it.

“We are miles ahead of where everyone thought we would be and I’m very pleased with the progress we have made this season.”