Bowyer warns Seasiders not to lose it in the first leg

The Seasiders’ play-off campaign gets underway tomorrow night when Bowyer’s men host the Hatters at Bloomfield Road.

With the two sides drawing 33 games between them this season, the Pool boss is expecting a tight affair.

“I think it’s important going into the second game you’re still in the tie,” he said.

“I would imagine it will be tight. If you look at both teams’ draw columns, we’ve both got a fair number to throw about.

“I’m sure they’re looking forward to it but so are we. We’ve just got to concentrate on what we’re good at and go and deliver it.

“We just have to make sure we produce the performance and if we do that, the result should take care of itself.”

The Seasiders go into the game as clear underdogs after suffering two defeats against Nathan Jones’ men this season.

Pool went down to a 2-0 defeat on home turf back in December before cruelly going doing to a 1-0 defeat at Kenilworth Road last month, which came courtesy of a last minute goal.

Despite that, Bowyer insists his men have every chance of making it to Wembley.

He added: “We’ve got every confidence in the players and the form they’ve shown, especially in the last 15 or so games.

“We’ve got a great opportunity now to play pressure-free because they’re the favourites.

“They’ve beaten us twice and finished fourth in the league.

“It’s great, it’s exciting and it’s extended our season. We’ve enjoyed coming into work this week and preparing for the game. These are the games we want to be involved in.”

The Seasiders’ pedigree in the play-offs is unrivalled, with four successes from their seven attempts; a record Bowyer is well aware of.

He said: “It’s part of the history of the club and something the club should be very proud of. Hopefully we can continue that run.”

Striker Jamille Matt has returned to training this week meaning Jim McAlister is the only player to miss out.