ROB Small says Bowers & Pitsea have not learned their lessons after conceding five goals to lose more ground in the Ryman North play-off race.

Bowers were beaten 5-4 by Haringey Borough in a match that would have seen them move back into the top five with two matches to go, had they won.

Instead, Bowers head into tonight’s match with already relegated Great Wakering knowing they must secure victory if they are to go into the final day’s match with AFC Hornchurch with a chance of making the play-offs.

“Our goals were avoidable,” he said. “The boys haven’t learned some of the lessons we have taught them this season.

“There were four goals that were carbon copies of each other on Saturday and it has been a problem going back to August and the 5-2 defeat at Witham Town.

“We were far too easy to beat. We have scored four goals at a very good side and we shouldn’t be losing from a position like that.

“But, as bad as the defending was in the last match, we didn’t score in the two matches prior to that so it is not just one area of the pitch.

“Whatever happened yesterday we must beat Wakering today,” he added. “It will not be easy but a win would take it to the last game of the season.”

Small was pleased with the resilience shown by Bowers, currently seventh in the standings, towards the end of Saturday’s defeat, getting two late goals which could be important in terms of goal difference.

However, Small knows Bowers must win their last two matches, and hope Haringey are defeated in their final game to reach the top five.

“We were 5-2 down and got the goals back which could be important,” he said. “We need a miracle but, providing we beat Wakering, we will hope for the best.”v