The Blues are back in action on Saturday after the recent heavy rainfall saw last weekend's away fixture at Bognor Regis postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Saturday will be the last home fixture of 2023 in what has been a promising year for the club.
Our Opponents
Concord Rangers, based in Canvey Island, are currently sat 21st in the Isthmian Premier League after being relegated into our division from National League South last season with Cheshunt and Dulwich Hamlet. Their current low league standing does not tell the full story as The Beach Boys have had a number of their own home games postponed meaning they've only played 14 games while some around them have played 19. Of their three league victories so far this season, two have come in their most recent three fixtures showing a turnaround in fortunes after a start to the season which saw them lose their first 7 matches in the league.
Concord were first promoted into National League South from the Isthmian Premier in 2012/13 season via the playoffs, beating Lowestoft Town in the final. Concord held their own at this level for a number of years, delivering regular mid-table finishes, until ultimately succumbing to relegation last season.
Head To Head
Our last match against this opponent came in September 2015 as we secured a 2-1 victory at the Maurice Rebak Stadium in the FA Cup 2nd qualifying round. Goalscorers on that day for the Blues were Tommy Tejan-Sie and Karl Oliyide. Prior to that we faced off in the 2012/13 season where Concord were promoted, with a 0-0 stalemate at home followed by a convincing victory 4-1 for the Beach Boys as they looked to seal promotion.
Last Time Out
A number of Concord's home fixtures have fallen foul to the weather, however their two most recent games did come at home with strong showing against Lewes on 2nd Dec and Horsham on 25th Nov resulting in a 4-1 win and 1-1 draw respectively.
The Blues come into the game having had their trip to Bognor postponed on the 9th, so most recent games were two good wins against teams in the top half, beating Billericay Town 2-1 after a 3-2 win at Carshalton.
Players To Watch
Harrison Day bagged his first senior hat-trick against Lewes last time out for the Beach Boys and will be looking to add to his tally on Saturday. Another who will be keen to get on the scoresheet is winger Ricky Modeste, the Grenada international has been a regular fixture at step 2 in recent years, Concord managing to retain his services for this season.
For the Blues, Elliot Long and Ruben Carvalho are already into double figures this season, and Anointed Chukwu will be looking to join them as he has 9 in all competitions so far. Meanwhile, Ben Goode had a man of the match performance against Billericay to retain our victory and will be looking to maintain his good form on Saturday.
Adult tickets can be purchased in advance here or on the gate on the day. Our bar will be open showing live sport and hot food will be available. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!