SAM Cowler has quit professional football in pursuit of regular first-team action.

The former Frinton and Walton Youth Football Club goalkeeper has left Barnet and signed for Conference South side Bishop’s Stortford.

The 20-year-old wants to drop down a level in order to play more matches, having been unable to dislodge first-choice shot-stopper Graham Stack during his time at Underhill.

He admits he is taking a gamble and said: “I’ve taken a risk by dropping out of professional football and it was a difficult decision.

“I could have stayed there until the end of my contract, but, as a footballer, I want to play games.

“Barnet put me and a few others on the transfer list so it made sense to go.

“I thank the club for respecting my decision.

“There are some brilliant people at the club and I wish all the players there the success they deserve.

“Hopefully I’ll have a good season and be back up there soon.”

Cowler, who has signed a one-year deal with Stortford, joined Barnet last summer from West Ham United.

However, he was second choice initially to Liam O’Brien and then to Stack.

Cowler’s first appearance came against Fleetwood Town in September, after Stack had been sent-off in the 24th minute.

He started the next game but could not help Barnet avoid a 2-1 defeat at home to Exeter City.

His only other appearance for the Bees came at Underhill, in a 2-0 FA Cup first-round defeat against Oxford United.

During his time with West Ham, Cowler - whose family still live in Frinton - spent time on loan with the youth teams at Wycombe Wanderers, Queens Park Rangers, Yeovil Town and Barnet, before being released in May 2012.

During his time at Stortford, he will work alongside another well-known face from north Essex football.

Former Wivenhoe Town, FC Clacton and Stanway Rovers boss Steve Pitt is head of player recruitment and scouting at the ProKit UK Stadium.