LOOKING AHEAD: There is another table-topping clash this weekend in the Isthmian North as third-placed Bowers welcome fourth-placed Maldon.

After a brief blip in the league Bowers are now back to winning ways following league and cup triumphs at the start of the month.

Rob Small’s team were without a game last weekend and the Bowers chief was hopeful the break would allow several of his key men a chance to recover ahead of this important match.

Maldon have won seven of their last nine matches but were beaten by Aveley in their last league game a fortnight ago.

Bowers, along with Basildon, are the only team in the division yet to taste defeat this season. But, on their own turf, Small will want more than a point tomorrow.

MANAGER’S VIEW: “This will be a tough game,” said Small. “It is very early days so I don’t think there is too much at stake in terms of the result. Maldon have quietly gone about their business whereas others have taken numerous headlines.”

“I have seen Bowers already this season and they are a good side,” said Maldon boss Wayne Brown. “They will be hard to beat and will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. These are the sort of games where you can show how good you really are.”

TEAM NEWS: Lewis Manor remains sidelined, David Knight and Martyn Stokes are doubts. Tom Hine played for the under-23s in midweek following a long-term injury but is not yet ready to start.