ROB Small is cautious as Bowers & Pitsea look to do battle with a reinvigorated Barking tomorrow.

Barking head to the Len Salmon Stadium having won each of their last three Isthmian North clashes.

The last of those victories came against high-flying Heybridge Swifts and Small knows his side face a physical battle against a Justin Gardner side which is full of confidence.

The Bowers boss said: “Barking will come here with their tails up.

“They’re right up there in the form guide having won their last three games.

“We’re playing against them while they are in their best moment and that seems to happen to us all the time.

“They are dangerous and we’re very respectful of Justin’s teams because they never give up.

“Whatever the outcome, you always know you have been in a game when you play against one of his sides.

“Our players will have to be prepared for that.

“They’re in great form and they have also recently got the news that they can install a 4G pitch at their stadium in the summer, so that has given everyone associated with their club a boost.”

Bowers, who prepared for this weekend’s encounter by beating White Ensign in a midweek friendly, are seeking a 12th consecutive Isthmian North win.

Braces from David Knight and Max Cornhill, along with a solitary effort from Lewis Manor, allowed Small to enjoy a first ever victory at Bury Town last time out.

As a result, Bowers are now just 10 points away from clinching the title.

A major reason for Bowers’ successful season has been the table-toppers’ defensive record.

Bowers have conceded just 20 Isthmian North goals all season and boast one of the most water-tight defences in the country.

Only nine of those goals have come at the Len Salmon Stadium, but Small is aware that Barking will put that record to the test.

“He has some great players at his disposal,” added Small.

“Alex Teniola has scored plenty of goals at this level and also in the National League South.

“Abs Seymour was at Billericay Town for years under Craig Edwards and he is now their captain, while Nana Boakye-Yiadom was in the Conference South with Concord Rangers earlier in the season.

“They are a good side and eighth in the table, so we know we will need to be at our best if we want to continue our winning run.”