BOWERS & Pitsea chief Rob Small believes goalkeeper Callum Chafer could play a key role as he returns to his former club tomorrow.

Chafer and Bowers will do battle with Hornchurch tomorrow.

And, having been the penalty shoot-out hero as Bowers beat neighbours Canvey Island in an FA Cup third qualifying round replay in midweek, Small has called on Chafer to take his fine from into the Isthmian Premier League trip to his ex-side.

“Our record in penalty shoot-outs is woeful,” said Small.

“I think we had three last season and lost all of them. I don’t remember ever winning one.

“It took a lot of bravery for the five players to step up and take them and if there’s one goalkeeper out there you want in a penalty shoot-out, it’s Callum Chafer.

“He gave the players stepping up to take a penalty confidence.

“You don’t have a chance to say a lot to the boys ahead of a penalty shoot-out but I reminded them of what a brilliant goalkeeper we have.

“His track record of saving penalties is fantastic and he is one of a couple of players who have been with Hornchurch recently.

“They will be looking to help us get one over them.”

While Bowers are just one place above the drop zone, Hornchurch are among the promotion favourites and are third in the standings.

And Small feels the Urchins will be pleased to be facing Bowers after a gruelling replay against Canvey.

“Hornchurch will be rubbing their hands together after we went through 120 minutes and penalties against Canvey,” added Small.

“But we can’t think about that and it’s important the players do everything they can to recover as quickly as possible.

“If you are beaten on penalties, your legs get a lot heavier.

“But we won on penalties, which gives you adrenaline, and the lads came into training buzzing.

“It’s a big derby to look forward to and it allows us to pick up the rivalry from a couple of years ago.”