ROB Small believes Bowers & Pitsea face a tough task when one of the Isthmian North’s promotion favourites visit the Len Salmon Stadium tonight.

Bowers welcome Aveley for just the second clash back at their redeveloped home, having used the Millers’ Parkside to stage home encounters during the early stages of the campaign.

And having recruited well in the summer and got their season off to a flying start, Small believes James Webster’s side will be challenging for promotion come the end of term.

The Bowers boss said: “I think we’re going to be asked a lot of questions by Aveley tonight.

“We are going up against a phenomenal team that, for most people’s money, will be right up there challenging for promotion.

“I’m one of those that thinks they’ll be up there come the end of the season, so it will be difficult but we’re not bad ourselves.”

Bowers, who are currently in second place in the Isthmian North standings, returned to the Len Salmon Stadium in style as they picked up a thumping 4-0 win over Felixstowe & Walton United.

Meanwhile, Aveley bounced back from their defeat to the same opposition by salvaging an impressive comeback victory over Heybridge Swifts.

As a result, the visitors will be full of confidence.

But Bowers will be hopeful of David Knight showing similar form to in his last two outings.

Having seen his red card at AFC Sudbury rescinded, the frontman has gone on to score seven goals in his last two appearances.

A hat-trick against Felixstowe & Walton United followed up four FA Cup goals against Takeley.

And Small believes Knight is profiting from an alteration in the way Bowers are playing this season.

Small added: “David has already got 10 goals this season.

“He is doing what we’re asking him to do and I do feel like we’ve set the team up to help him this year.

“We asked a lot of him last year and perhaps sacrificed him for the team, whereas I feel like we are now geared up to support him.

“He is doing his job really well.”