BOWERS & Pitsea boss Rob Small is excited by the opportunity facing his side at title rivals Maldon & Tiptree tomorrow.

Bowers are currently six points clear at the top of the Bostik North standings, six points clear of second placed Maldon.

And Small is therefore expecting the toughest possible test for his team tomorrow.

“I’ve yet to encounter an easy game in this division but it doesn’t get much tougher than this,” said Small.

“Maldon are a great side and they have recently added a good mix of talent and experience to their group which has made them stronger still.

“But we are in a good position going into the game so we can go there Saturday without fear or pressure.

“I’ve always said the league table will only be relevant come the final whistle in the 38th game but in this case the game presents an exciting opportunity for us to put further ground between ourselves and what is currently our nearest rival.”

However, Small will not be getting carried with the final score-line on Saturday.

“Whatever the outcome, there is still a lot of football to be played between now and the end of April,” said Small, whose side will again be without the injured Richard Halle.

“There is still a long way to go.”

Also in the Bostik North tomorrow, 12th placed Basildon United host promotion chasing Aveley who are currently third in the standings.

Ninth placed Canvey Island are at home to Coggeshall who are currently in fifth - the final play-off position - 11 points clear of the Gulls.

Great Wakering Rovers, who are 14th, are away at 17th placed Witham Town.