ROB Small insists he is flattered by his Bowers & Pitsea side being compared to Concord Rangers.

The two sides will meet in a pre-season friendly at the Len Salmon Stadium tonight.

And, having both climbed from the depths of the Essex Senior League in recent times, Small is pleased to be on a similar journey to Danny Scopes’ charges.

“We are writing our own story but it’s clear that there are similarities between the two sides,” said the Bowers chief.

“It’s very flattering to be mentioned in the same breath as Concord after all they have achieved.

“How they are run is fantastic and Ant Smith is an example of what every club wants in a chairman.

“It’s fantastic that we are even being compared to Concord after the journey they have been on.”

While Concord will be plying their trade in the National League South once again, Bowers are preparing for their first ever campaign in the Isthmian Premier League.

And Small believes facing the Beach Boys will be a fine test for his side.

“It will be a tough game for us,” added Small, who has been in charge of Bowers for five years.

“We’re playing a team in a higher league so you would expect long periods without the ball.

“But that is what you want at this stage because it gives you a chance to get organised and see how you look defensively.

“They have had more games than us so far so you would expect them to be fitter than us.

“But Danny has had to build a whole new team whereas we haven’t so both clubs are in a different moment.

“Although they will be fitter, their players may still be learning more about each other.”

While Bowers have not been involved in a friendly since being defeated by League Two side Colchester United 11 days ago, Concord recorded a 5-1 victory over Romford on Saturday.

Decarrey Sheriff grabbed a brace of goals, while Lamar Reynolds, Danny Green and Joel Nouble also got their names on the scoresheet.

And Lee Minshull, the Beach Boys’ player-assistant manager, was pleased ahead of the trip to Bowers.

“It was a pleasing workout,” said Minshull.

“We had two tough games against Dagenham & Redbridge and Millwall, where we didn’t have a lot of the ball.

“It was a good battle for much of the game and I think we’ll take a lot out of it. The lads look fit and we’re not necessarily questioning who needs more minutes.”