BOWERS & Pitsea head to Felixstowe & Walton United in the Isthmian North play-offs tonight.

Bowers ended the regulation season sitting fourth in the standings, one point and place behind this evening’s opponents.

And striker Matt Price can sense the excitement among his team-mates as they push for promotion.

“Personally I don’t overthink it or look at it any different, it’s a one off game and anything can happen,” said Price.

“But it’s a very young squad most of whom haven’t experienced this before and I get the feeling it’s just an excited feeling among the changing room with no pressure on us at all.”

Bowers had been in contention for the title before losing their last two matches of the campaign.

A 2-0 defeat at Wroxham on Saturday means Bowers will be away from home for this evening’s encounter.

But Price insists Bowers have already picked themselves up from the setback.

“I don’t think anyone in the game no matter what level you play it isn’t frustrated from a loss but we just have to pick ourselves up and go again,” said Price.

“If you’re going to win the play-offs you have beat the best of the rest so whether you’re home or away shouldn’t affect that.

“All we can do is go to Felixstowe and hope to come away victorious.”

Bowers lost 3-2 at Felixstowe in the league back in September before beating them 2-1,with 10 men, at the Len Salmon Stadium in December.

Price was among the goalscorers that day and is expecting another hard-fought clash this evening.

“They’re a good side,” said Price.

“Their league positioning shows that but as I’ve said, it’s a one off game and anything can happen.

“One refereeing decision or one moment of madness can cost you or it can essentially make the difference in your favour.

“It’s going to be a very, very tough game but we have to stand up and be counted now.”

Price also knows what it takes to go via the Isthmian North play-offs, having done just that with Canvey Island back in 2022.

And he knows it is important to not get carried away by the importance of the occasion.

“You have to keep a level head and to play the game not the occasion,” said Price.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the occasion and start doing things you haven’t done all season.

“As long as when we all walk off the pitch at the end of the game we know we gave everything we could and left everything out there regardless of the result the boys can hold their heads high.”

The other play-off semi-final sees Bury Town hosting Brentwood Town.