BOWERS & Pitsea boss Rob Small insists his side will not underestimate Romford when the two sides go head-to-head tonight.

Isthmian North table-toppers Bowers will make the short trip to East Thurrock United’s Rookery Hill for a clash with the division’s bottom club.

But Small is aware that Romford, who escaped relegation on the final day of last season, are more than capable of causing an upset.

“We enjoyed a fantastic win over Maldon & Tiptree at the weekend but, after putting so much into the game, there is a danger of not reaching the same energy levels,” said Small.

“But we will certainly not be underestimating Romford because football can change very quickly.

“We’re in a great position at the moment and won six in a row, but you can easily follow that up with a bad few weeks in football.

“We will take each game as they come and hopefully we can go to Rookery Hill and get a positive result.

“But this is the time of the year where Romford often upset the apple cart so we need to be aware of that.

“Romford have clawed their way out of trouble late in each of the last couple of seasons and it is around now where their form starts to improve.”

Victory would see Bowers move 11 points clear at the Isthmian North summit.

Prior to the turn of the year, Small claimed that January was a month that could make or break their season.

But Bowers came through the testing spell of fixtures with nine points from 12 on offer, with eye-catching wins coming against fellow promotion chasers Aveley and Coggeshall Town.

Triumphs over Grays Athletic, Witham Town and Maldon & Tiptree - who were second going into the clash - have followed this month and Small has challenged his players to extend their fine run of form by collecting three points tonight.

“We have chalked off wins against the likes of Aveley, Coggeshall and Maldon, with two of those being away from home,” added Small.

“It’s been great to see us churning out the results in big games and the boys have been fantastic.

“We have had a bit of luck along with way, which you need.

“But there is no chance of us getting carried away because no-one in this league is a slouch.

“Anyone can go on a good run and in my experience of challenging for league titles it is really hard to get over the line so we are prepared for the challenges coming our way.”