ROB Small is relieved to be heading to Bognor Regis Town without the threat of relegation looming over Bowers & Pitsea.

Bowers, who are enjoying their first ever campaign in the Isthmian Premier League having been crowned the Isthmian North champions last term, have claimed 11 points from the last 15 on offer to climb up to 12th place in the standings.

A 16-point cushion over those in the relegation zone means Bowers have less pressure resting on their shoulders ahead of facing play-off chasers Bognor tomorrow.

“With where we are now, I’m not looking over my shoulder worrying too much about coming in the bottom three,” said boss Small.

“I know Whitehawk were relegated with 41 points last season, but it’s not something we will worry about too much.

“We have got ourselves into a strong position.

“It’s too early to look much higher up the table because a lot of teams have games in hand and it needs to even itself out a bit, but we are looking to set new targets rather than simply survival now.

“We are trying things and working on different ideas because there is less pressure on us now.”

Bowers scored 10 goals during thumping wins over Brightlingsea Regent and Leatherhead in their last two outings.

And Small believes having the likes of Kenzer Lee, Max Cornhill and Lewis Manor back after spells on the sidelines has been invaluable.

“We have had key players returning from injury, which has really boosted us,” added Small.

“I think we’ve also scored at good times during recent games.

“We scored early in the last two games and it’s amazing what that does for your confidence.

“When we make mistakes, we work really hard to put them right and it’s important to remember this has been a big learning curve for us.

“It’s so rewarding to see what we do on the training pitch paying off in matches.”

Bognor are currently eighth in the standings and sit seven points adrift of the play-off places.

And Small believes Bowers can expect a raucous atmosphere at Nyewood Lane this weekend.

“They are a really good side with a lot of experience,” admitted Small.

“Bognor are fighting for a play-off place, so it’s nice for us to have that pressure of a relegation threat removed.

“I am sure there will be 500 people cheering them on because Bognor get big crowds.

“That is something my players will have to deal with and we will endeavour to make it an entertaining game for them.”