ROB Small is interested to see how his Bowers & Pitsea side will bounce back from their first defeat of the Isthmian Premier League season.

Bowers, who were condemned to just four losses as they romped home to the Isthmian North title last term, were beaten 3-0 by neighbours East Thurrock United last time out.

And Small is hoping his side will not allow a rot to materialise by getting the better of Enfield Town at the Len Salmon Stadium tomorrow.

The Bowers boss said: “We have spent time preparing the players mentally for difficult moments.

“We have got seven points from the first four games of the season, which is great in this league.

“We shouldn’t be sniffing at seven points from the first four games at this level in the club’s history.

“But we know there will be difficult times ahead.

“We’re hoping that this is not one of those moments and we can bounce back from the defeat at East Thurrock.

“It’s easy to get into the habit of losing games, so it’s important we stop that before a rot sets in.”

Enfield are one spot and a solitary point better off than Bowers in the standings.

However, seventh-placed Enfield have been involved in one more game than their hosts.

And Small has tipped Enfield to challenge for a spot in the National League South.

“Enfield are a big club and it will be extremely difficult for us,” added Small.

“They, as a football club, are very established at this level and have a squad capable of pushing for promotion.

“We’re under no illusions as to how difficult the task will be tomorrow.

“But we have made a good start to the season ourselves and these are the games we wanted to be involved in after winning the title last season.”

Although Small had no complaints about Bowers falling to their first setback of the campaign at East Thurrock, he felt a disallowed goal proved crucial.

“East Thurrock were good value for the three points and goals change games,” admitted the Bowers chief.

“We looked in quite good shape until the first goal and that sapped a lot of our energy.

“East Thurrock played really well and their midfield took charge of the game, while their front three were in good form.

“I’ve got no arguments about East Thurrock winning the game, but it could have been a totally different game had we not had a goal ruled out.

“Brad Warner had a goal chalked off and I don’t really know what for.

“That would have made it 1-1 before half-time and no-one knows what could have happened from that situation.”