BOWERS & Pitsea manager Rob Small says he needs to manage expectations after his side made a flying start to the league campaign.

Bowers are fourth (at the time of print) with five wins from their first seven games in the Ryman North.

They visit Brightlingsea Regent tonight, who are currently down in 13th after a below-par start to the campaign.

But Small insists this will be another very tricky game for his side, following Saturday’s last minute win over Haringey Borough.

“This is another game against a team I expect to be in and around the play-offs,” he said. “It is a very tough mid-week trip and we will be up against it.

“We need to manage expectations. This is a punishing league and tonight we will be a huge underdog.

“It is always nice to win in the last minute and I felt we deserved to win the game.”

Bowers are likely to be without striker Shomari Barnwell (food poisoning), although fellow forwards Lewis Manor and Bradley Warner came through their returns unscathed.

Jamie Salmon and Vinny Durrant remain side-lined through injury, but defender Luke Wilson returns from suspension.