CONFIDENT Mark Collier insists his Supermarine side will not be travelling to Bedford Town tomorrow just to make up the numbers.

Six points from their opening four fixtures represents a solid start to life in the Southern Premier Division and the manager is determined to build on this early season promise.

Bedford, in contrast, have stuttered since their relegation from the Conference South, but Collier expects the Eagles to find their wings over the coming weeks.

He said: "They've had an indifferent start but I think that's probably the fall-out from going down last year.

"I watched them beat Chippenham in the play-off final a couple of seasons ago and they looked a quality outfit back then.

"I know they have invested in one or two players over the summer so I don't expect their dip in form to last long."

Monday's 1-0 reverse at home to league leaders Team Bath failed to dampen the early season enthusiasm at Hunts Copse and Collier hopes to return from the Eyrie with all three points.

He said: "The first four games have shown we have nothing to fear in this league. We are playing against the big boys on merit.

"But we have turn up and give another professional performance.

"A six out of 10 display won't cut it in this league. We need to be playing at eight out of 10 at the very least if we want to come away with something."

With his players adapting quickly to life in their new surroundings, Collier admits he too is under pressure to deliver.

A trip to the New Lane in midweek gave Collier some insight into the demands of management in the Southern Premier.

He explained: "I went to watch Gloucester City versus Halesowen the other night and the Brackley manager was there with a camcorder.

"I was just sat with a notebook and pen as usual, but it just goes to show how serious football is at this level.

"In the lower leagues you can sometimes get away with not planning properly and if you're good enough you can adjust your tactics on the day.

"But managers are much cuter at this level. They read the game so well and sometimes change things after 10 or 15 minutes.

"We have to be on our toes on the touchline and ready to adapt ourselves."

Summer signing Adam Mayo is on standby for his first start tomorrow after Steve Jenkins hobbled off with an ankle injury on Monday.

Striker Nathan Lightbody has suffered a set-back in his recovery from a hamstring strain, while Stuart Pearson (knee) is also a doubt.