CONCORD Rangers boss Danny Cowley says winning the Essex Senior Cup would be “the cherry on top of what has already been a fantastic cake”.

The Beachboys will line-up opposite Conference Premier side Braintree Town this evening at Victoria Road, the home of League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge, bidding to win the trophy for the first time in their history.

Although his side go into the game as underdogs, Cowley says he would not have it any other way after watching his side repeatedly upset the odds to finish ninth in the Skrill South in their first season since promotion last year.

Cowley said: “Our objective at the start of the season was to be competitive week-in and week-out in the league and reach the Essex Senior Cup final.

“We know how hard it will be. We played Barnet in the FA Cup this year and were well beaten yet Braintree have just finished above them in the league.

“We always try to do our best in the cup competitions as we knew it was our only chance to win a trophy. We weren’t going to win the league, the FA Cup or the FA Trophy so we really wanted to give it our best shot to bring this trophy home.”

Concord will be hoping to emulate arch-rivals Canvey Island, who lifted the trophy two seasons ago.

Cowley said: “Our league form has been fantastic. We have beaten the likes of Bishop’s Stortford and Chelmsford and have finished higher in our league than Canvey and Billericay in the league below. I am so proud of what we have done so far.

“I don’t think we’ve got the kudos we deserve. You have to win a trophy for that, but I honestly believe what we have done this year eclipses what we did last season.

Cowley reserved praise for Braintree Town boss Alan Devonshire, who took his side to within one place of the play-offs.

“What they have done as a part-time team has been nothing short of miraculous. We are similar in the sense we may be considered minnows of our respective leagues but have continued to surprise people.

“Getting to the final is a massive achievement for Concord. Now let’s go and win it.”

How the teams made it to the final