Concord flying high ahead of Margate clash (From Basildon Recorder)

Concord flying high ahead of Margate clash

12:00pm Friday 4th January 2013 in Sport By Luke Lambert

CONCORD Rangers set up a mouth-watering clash at home to second-placed Margate tomorrow by moving into the play-off places after a hard-fought 2-0 win over Cray Wanderers on a windy evening in Kent on Wednesday.

There were doubts whether the match would go ahead after long spells of rain, but the ground staff got the pitch ready, only 24 hours after Bromley had played on it.

The Beachboys scored both goals decisively in three first half minutes to move up from ninth to fourth in the Ryman Premier table, their highest-ever league position.

The first goal was shrouded in confusion when it arrived after 18 minutes. Concord won a corner, which was swung into the near post by Reece Harris. It took the slightest of touches off Concord defender Steve King before rolling over the line. Minutes later it was 0-2 when Tony Stokes raced onto a pass from the impressive Jack Lampe before sending a looping shot over despairing keeper Andy Walker.

Concord had a further chance to extend their lead when Harry Elmes headed wide when well placed. The final chance of the first half fell to Cray’s Michael Power, but his 30-yard drive dropped inches wide after taking a deflection off King.

The second half saw further chances for Elmes and Nicky Cowley, who should have scored when put through one-on-one with Walker, but the game was mostly locked in midfield. Tom Lovelock in the Concord goal was a spectator for much of the match, with Leigh Bremner wasting Cray’s best chance when he headed over when unmarked from 10 yards.

The game ended on an unsavoury note when Cray’s Joe Hines seemed to lash out at Danny Glozier after the final whistle, but Concord manager Dan Cowley said he was delighted with his team’s performance.

“Tonight was a really pro-fessional performance from all of the players. We knew the qualities Cray possessed as they are a good footballing side, but we dealt with their threat well and our keeper had a pretty straightforward night.

“The Christmas period has proved very productive for us and we are all very happy. We only have a small budget at the club and I am extremely proud of all the boys’ efforts.”

Concord Rangers: Lovelock, Osifuwa, Glozier, Cowley, King, Easterford, Spendlove, Lampe, Harris, Elmes, Stokes.

Echo MOM: Ade Osifuwa (Concord Rangers).