LOOKING AHEAD: Bowers & Pitsea face one of their toughest away tests of the season when they travel to Coggeshall Town on the first weekend.

Last season’s Isthmian North play-off semi-finalists travel to the champions of the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, who finished the season with a massive 115 points.

Well resourced, Coggeshall are among the teams expected to challenge for a top five spot this time out.

And while tomorrow is too soon to gauge what will happen next April, both will want to stamp their authority on the opening fixture.

Bowers have endured a mixed pre-season as work continues on making the Len Salmon Stadium surface artificial.

But all that matters are the points on offer tomorrow.

MANAGER’S VIEW: “It is a big game for us,” said Bowers boss Rob Small. “It is a tough start as both will have eyes on a play-off finish. They will look to play down their ambitions and I remember doing the same after we were promoted but their squad and the marketing of the club proves it’s on the up.

“It’s nice to be part of their first day in the division. We were at Aveley last year for their first game at Parkside and it’s Coggeshall this time around.

“We’ve recruited well and are in a good place but that’s only on paper. Progress needs to be made. We’re not firing on all cylinders but we’re not far away.”

TEAM NEWS: Richard Halle and James Thomas are suspended, Ben Sartain is injured.