MIDFIELD maestro Steve Bowey believes York City's "close-knit" team spirit can give them the edge ahead of Friday's massive Conference play-off semi-final first leg clash with Morecambe.

The 32-year-old tackling terrier told The Press he wished it was already game time so he could get out on the KitKat Crescent pitch and "get amongst it".

Bowey, who joined City from Queen of the South in the close season, said he believed the Minstermen had the confidence and the ability - despite the young age of their squad - to do well against the Shrimps over two legs.

And while no-one at the club is looking at Wembley just yet, Bowey admitted that this was a "special week" for the club and its supporters.

"It is exciting. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Obviously these are two massive games but you can't be too uptight and we are just looking at the Morecambe games," he said.

"It is going to be a tough game (on Friday). We beat them away. They have a good side and it is going to be close.

"Everyone is really looking forward to it. It is really big for the club and I just wish it was Friday so I could go out and get amongst it."

Bowey said he wasn't concerned by the prospect of starting the play-offs at home, with traditional thinking arguing it is beneficial to play in front of your own fans in the second leg.

He said: "We have got a fantastic away record but we have won ten games at home as well. We all play on the same bit of grass and it is not going to affect us.

"We are going to be at home first and there is no doubt the fans are going to come out and support us.

"It is going to be a team effort. We know it is going to be tight. I think it might well go to the wire. Morecambe are up there for a reason and, like us, they are probably saying what are you going to do to get past us?' "It won't be easy but it will be a special week. It has been a very tough and very long season and to get to this point is fantastic.

"We have got a very young side, but it is very capable and, although a lot of players are 22 and 23, they have all played a lot of games.

"We play for one another. We have got a great set of lads and we are a very close-knit team. Everyone is confident in their own ability and that confidence rubs off on you.

"We have got to harry Morecambe and play the way we have played all season.

"We have done nothing wrong (throughout the campaign) and, although the stakes are obviously higher, we must play our normal game. We will give it our best shot."