CALLUM Chafer says he is confident of challenging for the number one spot at Bowers & Pitsea after making the move from Romford.

The 20-year-old linked up with Bowers at the end of last season, after a breakthrough campaign.

Chafer impressed for Romford in the Ryman North, although they finished the season in 16th, five points above the relegation places.

But he is now looking higher up the standings and is keen to get the better of Rhys Madden in the race for the number one jersey.

“It is great to be here,” said Dagenham-based Chafer.

“It was a couple of days after the season ended that Rob approached me and said he had watched me play.

“I hadn’t given much thought to next season as the last one had only just finished but he expressed an interest and, with what they have achieved, and knowing what I did about Rob I thought it would be a good move.

“He convinced me straight away when I met him.

“That said, I owe a lot to Romford and manager Paul Martin. We worked very hard last year and I owe a lot to them as without Paul I wouldn’t have got a season in the Ryman at all.”

Chafer joined Romford from AFC Hornchurch before the start of the 2016/17 campaign.

And he said he wants to build on last year with Bowers and break into the play-off places next term.

“I conceded more goals than I aimed to and didn’t get as many clean sheets as I wanted but I saved a few penalties and made important saves at important times,” he said.

“I haven’t met the Bowers players yet but I know about them. They were very impressive.

“They beat so many good teams and challenged for the play-offs and I want to do that again next season.

“I hope to get into the team, of course,” he added.

“I can only do the best I can and that competition is important.

“Whoever gets the nod will get the other’s support. You need pressure to improve.”