ROB Small says it will be odd to lead Bowers & Pitsea into a home fixture played at Aveley’s Parkside tonight.

Bowers are set to take on a Waltham Abbey side managed by Mark Stimson in the preliminary round of the Velocity Trophy.

And while the Len Salmon Stadium’s new artificial surface continues to be installed, Bowers will get their home campaign underway at Parkside.

“It will be strange to play at Parkside but I think it’s good for us to have a home game there ahead of the FA Cup tie on Friday night,” said the Bowers boss.

“It will give us an opportunity to not just get a feel of the pitch but also the finer details like the changing rooms and travelling to the ground.

“The game is a positive in that respect and we know it will be a difficult game.

“I had good battles with Mark Stimson when he was at Thurrock and I’m looking forward to going head-to-head with him tonight.”

Richard Halle will miss the tie through suspension while Lewis Manor is a doubt after picking up an injury at Coggeshall.