Boston United striker Jordan Thewlis refreshed and ready to end his play-off 'bad luck'

Jordan Thewlis is feeling refreshed and determined to put his play-off 'bad luck' behind him.

Boston United's leading scorer is preparing for his fifth promotion push via the knockout stages, and hopes to play his part in guiding the Pilgrims to the National League.

Thewlis was part of the Harrogate Town squad that won promotion from the National League North in 2018.

But injury ruled him out of the semi-final and final as he was forced to watch from the sidelines, while his other play-off campaigns have ended in defeat and personal frustration.

Former Scuthorpe United striker Thewlis was on loan at Gainsborough Trinity when they were beaten 1-0 in the 2011-12 final by Nuneaton Town.

The 2015-16 season saw Thewlis tear his medial ligament during the 2-1 aggregate semi-final defeat to AFC Fylde, suffering the same injury against Curzon Ashton in the final game of the 2017-18 campaign to rule him out of action as Town claimed promotion.

And last season Thewlis overcame a knee injury, picked up during his debut on loan at United, to play in the National League play-offs for Harrogate, only to be beaten 3-1 at old foes Fylde, in a game where he found the net.

As the Pilgrims prepare to host the winners of Brackley Town and Gateshead on Saturday (KO 5.30pm) he is determined to have an impact for United and put those memories to bed.

"With the play-offs I've had some bad luck over the years," Thewlis told The Standard.

"It's the fifth time I've got to the play-offs. I'm looking for a more positive personal spin and hoping I can get us promoted."

Match sharpness may play a big part in who wins promotion this season following the four-month break from football due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Thewlis, however, believes he has returned in better shape.

"As bad as the situation has been, football-wise for myself it's been a blessing as I've played over 30 games this season and it's been the first time for me for four seasons now," said Thewlis, who has netted 16 times from 36 appearances this campaign, but just twice in his past 16 games.

"I was feeling pretty dead on my feet, burned out.

"I feel miles better than before. I can't speak for the rest of the lads, but I feel good personally.

"The training's been difficult so I think everyone will be feeling pretty fit and ready to go."

Thewlis would love to add to his tally next weekend, but admits that the name on the scoresheet is not his number on priority.

"I don't care who scores the goals or how we get there - a penalty shoot-out or a 5-0 drubbing. I just want us to win the games," he said.

"Form, who scores and how you get there doesn't matter at this stage. It's just about getting over the line now."

MORE PILGRIMS: Brackley or Gateshead? United's Knowles and Whittle weigh up their optionsMORE PILGRIMS: Play-off donation fund passes £10,000MORE PILGRIMS: Former United youth teamer joins Perth Glory in A-League