HAVING failed to acquire his services in the past, Rob Small is pleased to have welcomed James Bransgrove to Bowers & Pitsea.

The goalkeeper - who counts Colchester United, Brentford and Coggeshall Town among his former clubs - has joined from Essex Senior League side Walthamstow.

Although Small is overjoyed to have Bransgrove at the Len Salmon Stadium, the Bowers boss admits the custodian will not go straight into his starting line-up.

Small said: “We have been an admirer of James since he played for Coggeshall.

“We spoke to him previously about coming over but it never panned out.

“He became involved in the upheaval at Walthamstow and wanted to cut his teeth at a higher level again.

“It will take time for James to be ready to compete at this level, but he comes with a lot of pedigree.

“He was the second choice goalkeeper at Colchester before retiring from professional football at the age of 20 to focus on a career in accounting.

“His story is unique and we are big fans of his.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him in a Bowers shirt, but Callum Chafer is still our first choice goalkeeper.”

Bowers returned to winning ways by registering a 3-2 Isthmian Premier League victory over Haringey Borough on Tuesday.

An own goal followed a Brad Warner brace and Small was pleased to end a run of six outings without a win.

“It’s always important to stop a run of results like that,” added Small.

“I wasn’t overly worried because I thought we were playing well and I date that back to when the run started against Corinthian-Casuals.

“The win over Haringey was probably on the cards because of our recent performances and I think we deserved the three points.

“We dominated and controlled the game for large periods.

“Although we gave away a sloppy goal with only two minutes to go, you get edgy when you have gone on a run of games without winning anyway.

“It was an important victory for us.”