CONCORD Rangers manager Danny Cowley admits winning the Essex Senior Cup this year would be more satisfying than last year after the difficult run they have had.

The Beach Boys take on AFC Hornchurch tonight in the semi-final of the competition, having already knocked out Chelmsford City, Colchester United and Dagenham & Redbridge on the way to the last four.

And now they visit the winners of two years ago as they look to become only the second side to retain the competition since the turn of the century.

Concord did not have a game on Saturday, as they were scheduled to play Salisbury City who dropped out of the league, and Cowley said the break will do his players the world of good come tonight.

“We always targeted this weekend as one for the players to recuperate and get a bit of rest,” he said. “I think last Thursday was the first they had off in about two years so it was nice to give them a bit of time to prepare for a final push.

“We have 12 league games to go and we have got ourselves in a strong position after a good recent run.

“We have had a really tough run in the competition this year so we are keen to make the final after the progress we have made.

“To beat the likes of Chelmsford, Colchester and Dagenham & Redbridge in the competition this year is something special and to get to the final you have to really work for it. It would make it that extra bit special.

“I don’t think we expected it last year. But we worked so hard for it and retaining a title is always a real challenge, especially when you draw the teams we have faced.”

Cowley was watching East Thurrock United’s 1-1 draw with Bury Town on Saturday, after games at Hornchurch and Chelmsford City were postponed, and said tonight’s visit to the Ryman Premier League strugglers will prove a real test.

“It will be a difficult game for us. Hornchurch are a big club and it will be a tough game for us. People might look at the sides left in it and look at the divisions and make us favourites but in terms of infrastructure and fan base they should be favourites.

“They have had a tough season but there are reasons behind that and they are in a false position when you look at the table.

“We are under no illusions how tough it will be and you need real substance to be able to go there and get a result.

“But we are capable of doing that.”

The victors will play either Aveley or Billericay Town in the final.