BOWERS & Pitsea defender Luke Wilson says the endeavours of pre-season are already bearing fruit after a strong start to the season.

Bowers have won their opening two games, both against sides strongly fancied for promotion, with another heading to the Len Salmon Stadium today - AFC Hornchurch.

Wilson scored in the last league match, against Brentwood Town, and says hard work and togetherness can help Bowers to another shock result this afternoon.

“It was a heavy pre-season in terms of fitness,” said Wilson, 26. “We knew we needed to improve going into the Ryman North. We aren’t saying we want to win the league as it is about consolidation at this point.

“The management team have told us the importance of keeping the ball down and playing and we are showing that. We are showing how much hard work can bring.

“Mental strength and physical strength are both important. We can’t lose our fitness and, to be honest, I am one who can make a slip after 80 minutes or so. The difference is you aren’t going to be three or four goals up like we were in the Essex Senior League.”

Wilson will have to be switched on today, with sharp-shooters George Purcell and David Knight set to play for the Urchins.

But he says he is ready for the challenge.

“The strikers have been faster and more physical up to now,” he said. “I know Knighty on a personal level through my friends and as for George I know he earns a lot and the goals he scores. But I want another clean sheet.

“It is a team game and we expect the whole team to defend and it is not just the strikers who should score the goals as well, so it is nice to get on the scoresheet.

“We all work together and if we can do that consistently we will be alright.”