BOWERS & Pitsea boss Rob Small has bolstered his options ahead of a tricky-looking trip to Horsham by completing the signing of Canvey Island defender Ade Osifuwa.

Osifuwa has made the move to the Len Salmon Stadium having made 18 appearances for the Gulls.

Two of those outings came against Bowers in the FA Cup third qualifying round and Small admits those performances, along with another against his side during pre-season, were a key factor in making a move.

“Ade impressed us in pre-season and both games against Canvey in the FA Cup,” said Small.

“I have watched Canvey another two times myself and he has always impressed me.

“He is robust in the tackle, quick and versatile.

“Having played at right-back against us in pre-season, Ade was used at left-back in both FA Cup games.

“I know he can also play at centre-back, so he can play anywhere across the back four and is versatile.

“He is someone I have done a lot of homework on and I have warmed to him quite quickly.”

Osifuwa is in line to make his debut when Bowers visit Horsham, who are flying high in the Isthmian Premier League, tomorrow.

A victory would see Horsham leapfrog Folkestone Invicta and onto the summit, while Bowers would climb out of the drop zone with three points.

And Small concedes his newly-promoted outfit are facing a daunting task.

“It’s a really difficult game and their average attendance is around the 600 mark, so it will be a vociferous atmosphere,” added Small.

“They are riding the crest of a wave at the moment and they have the chance to go top of the league if they beat us.

“Horsham have good quality and it’s a daunting fixture.

“It will take a real effort to get a result but this might be the type of game we need because there is no pressure on us.”

Bowers head into the clash having recorded a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Brightlingsea Regent to book their place in the fourth round of the Essex Senior Cup.

And Small believes Bowers are on the right track as they look to improve their Isthmian Premier League form.

“Everyone at the football club needed a positive against Brightlingsea,” admitted Small.

“It’s been a tough few weeks but I maintain that the application and performances have been good barring the cup defeats to Chichester City and Aveley.

“We are not far away in league football but we have not been getting the rub of the green.

“I’m confident that we will string a run of results together and start to climb the table.”