THE MATCH: Bowers & Pitsea bid for FA Trophy progress when the competition gets underway this weekend.

Having got the better of Thurrock at this stage last season, Bowers will be confident although face a tough opponent in Dereham Town.

The Norfolk outfit are just two points below Bowers in the Isthmian North, having played one game fewer.

Following an excellent start, Dereham went on a five match winless run that saw them slip down the league standings.

But good results in their last two fixtures have put them back in the mix.

Bowers will look to last season’s results against Dereham for inspiration, with 4-0 and 3-1 victories in the league.

THE INSIGHT: “For the club, it is essential you get through a couple of rounds,” said boss Rob Small. “The prize money can make or break a season so that is really important.

“In terms of the football, the league is your bread and butter but cup runs can define you as a manager and a team.

“Dereham are a good team and they have had a change of management from last season. Their results have been good and they had a nice little run in the FA Cup. But you have to focus on yourselves and I believe, if our players turn up, we can win.

“I was very impressed with Tuesday’s win at Witham. To win five league games out of six is pretty good, so it gives us a good foundation to build on.”

THE TEAM NEWS: Callum Leahy and Lewis Clark are banned, while Lewis Manor is a doubt. Bowers signed winger Johnny Ashman from Cheshunt last night.