GOING up against Lewes is a totally different animal for Bowers & Pitsea, according to boss Rob Small.

Bowers have made an encouraging start to their first ever Isthmian Premier League campaign, taking four points from clashes with Wingate & Finchley and Brightlingsea Regent.

And Small is pleased with how Bowers’ early form.

“I am delighted with the points return so far,” said the Bowers chief, whose side were the runaway Isthmian North champions last season.

“We have had two difficult games, but we have some familiarity with Wingate and Brightlingsea.

“I don’t think either of them will be expecting to challenge for promotion.

“Lewes, on the other hand, are among the favourites to get promoted so this will be a completely different animal.

“There will be a crowd of at least 500 or 600 and they were playing in the National League not so long ago, so it shows how far we have come since being in the Essex Senior League when I took over five years ago.”

Small thinks Bowers are still adjusting to life in the third tier of non-league football.

“The games have given us a real eye-opener as to what to expect from this league,” added Small.

“I’m not sure whether we truly realised what we were stepping into when we got promoted.

“We have had an interesting couple of games and we have picked up four points, so the players should grow in confidence and realise that they deserve to be here.”