Old mates Billy Smith and Jack Pearce are setting the pace in the premier division.

Pearce's Bognor drew 0-0 at Bishop's Stortford to go second in the table, three points behind Smith's Carshalton.

The rival managers go back a long way. In fact Smith was Pearce's No.2 in the summer before Carshalton called.

Pearce, whose men kept a second successive cleansheet despite a host of injuries, said: "It's funny how it has worked out with me and Bill.

"If you had offered me second after five games I would have taken it, but it's unlikely we'll stay there."

Carshalton and Bognor now fill the positions they occupied in division one south at the end of last season when they were both promoted. Rocks could have won had Matt Russell been more clinical when presented with their best chance.

Pearce said: "He's a bit low on confidence at the moment. He was caught between shooting low and lobbing."

Michael Birmingham failed a test on his ankle injury and is doubtful for tomorrow's home game with Harrow Borough.