ROB Small insists there is no bad blood between Bowers & Pitsea and Potters Bar Town ahead of tomorrow’s Isthmian Premier League meeting.

Potters Bar pipped Bowers to automatic promotion from the Isthmian North by a solitary point at the end of the 2017/18 campaign.

But Small feels that missed opportunity will not result in this weekend’s clash at the Pakex Stadium having extra spice.

“They pipped us to automatic promotion because of our own failings rather than any issues between the two clubs, so I don’t think it will be different to any other game,” said the Bowers boss, whose side reacted to their heartbreak by clinching the title 12 months later.

“There is a different manager in charge at Potters Bar now and their current boss, Lee O’Leary, was a player at the time.

“I have a lot of respect for the work Potters Bar do.”

Small also sees Potters Bar is a side Bowers should look to emulate.

“They have a small budget and are punching above their weight at this level, like we are,” added Small.

“Both teams are underdogs in this division and finding ways to get results.

“Potters Bar have a clear identity and have adjusted to this division.

“They are 12 months ahead of us in acclimatising to the Isthmian Premier League after stealing promotion from us two seasons ago.

“Their manager is doing well and I think they have set a blueprint which we should look to follow.”

Bowers missed out on the chance to climb further away from the relegation zone when their scheduled clash with bottom side Corinthian-Casuals was called off in midweek due to floodlight failure at the Len Salmon Stadium.

As a result, Bowers head to 12th-placed Potters Bar sitting just one point above the bottom three.

But Small is confident that the floodlight problems will be solved before Bowers next home clash next month.

“It was frustrating that the game with Corinthian-Casuals was called off because we are already playing catch-up,” admitted Small.

“But it’s one of those things that can’t be helped so there is no point crying over spilt milk.

“They have been trying to get the problem fixed and an under-23 game was played out the night before because it had already started, but it was quite evident that an Isthmian Premier League game could not go ahead under those conditions.

“I’m sure the floodlights will be back to normal ahead of our next home game.”

Small will be without the suspended Callum Leahy for tomorrow’s trip to Potters Bar following his red card last week.