ROB Small insists that Bowers & Pitsea’s frame of mind has not altered despite being just 10 points away from clinching the Isthmian North title.

Bowers have registered 11 consecutive victories to pull away from their nearest challengers for top spot.

But, according to Small, Bowers have learnt from their past mistakes and have their eyes firmly set on this weekend’s home clash with Barking rather than lifting silverware.

The Bowers boss said: “We will continue to do what we have been doing all season and continue to take it one game at a time.

“We have learnt from our mistakes and the best thing about going through adversity is that you learn from it.

“Last season we learnt that we could throw away a good position and not go up.

“We were second in the table for 18 games but then we finished third and didn’t go up via the play-offs.

“Closing in on the title is not in our mindset at the moment and you can see that from our performances.

“We have been relentless and, of course, we are going for the league title but we are only thinking about the next game.

“We need to keep chalking off those points because, in my experience of challenging for titles before, the final hurdle is always the toughest one to get over.

“I’m not expecting it to be a stroll and it will be a tough last seven games of the season.”

Bowers prepared for Barking’s trip to the Len Salmon Stadium by facing Eastern Senior League Division One South high-flyers White Ensign in a friendly.

The Isthmian North table-toppers came from behind to seal a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Khadean Campbell and James Thomas.

And, while he was pleased with the workout, Small was particularly encouraged to see Campbell get on the scoresheet just weeks after completing his move from Romford.

“It was another chance for Khadean to understand how we play and get to grips with that,” added Small.

“Scoring a goal will do him the world of good and I’m sure that will have boosted his confidence.

“He has got work to do in order to get himself where he needs to be, which is challenging for a place in the starting line-up.

“But he was a handful when he played against us for Romford and he is very tenacious.

“His raw attributes are great and White Ensign proved to be perfect opposition for us.

“It was great to give some players 90 minutes.”