CONFERENCE SOUTH: Tony Stokes admits the visit of St Albans City tomorrow will be the perfect opportunity for Concord Rangers to set the record straight.

The Beach Boys went down 2-0 to the Saints in January, in what manager Danny Cowley called their most “disappointing performance of the season”.

And Concord captain Stokes said the players were told some hard truths following the defeat, as a hard run of fixtures loomed.

However, since the defeat Concord have gone seven league matches unbeaten and claimed key draws away at Boreham Wood, Whitehawk and Basingstoke Town – three of the Conference South’s top four sides.

St Albans, meanwhile, haven’t won since beating Concord and Stokes, 28, says they need to prove a point to themselves when the Saints come to town.

“We were told some hard truths after that game,” said Stokes. “I don’t know why but we really didn’t perform but we agreed afterwards we needed to return to the Concord Rangers of old, and play the way that got us into this position.

“Since then, we have had a really difficult run but responded in a really nice way. We have played some of the top teams in this division and got some really good points on the road as well. We always do well against the odds and long may it continue.

“We tend to fade when the pressure is on us and we need to make sure we move past that.

“We want to set the record straight against them. We can’t play any worse than we did last time. We let ourselves, the club and the supporters down.”

Stokes drew a comparison with boxing, labelling up tomorrow’s game as a re-match, with Concord looking to prove a point having been beaten last time out.

“We have been given this chance to show what we are really about,” he said. “We need to make it count.”

Stokes also spoke of his excitement about leading Concord out at a second consecutive Essex Senior Cup final, having lifted the trophy last year.

The Beach Boys will play Billericay Town on Monday, April 20.

“We honestly can’t wait,” he said. “We will do whatever it takes to win it but, although Billericay are a league below us, we know how tough that will be. We were playing them only a few seasons ago and we always had hard games. They are a physical side but we will have to rise to that challenge.

“Neither team has home advantage. It is a one-off game and may the best team win.”

l Concord Rangers’ community day is held tomorrow, meaning their match against St Albans City tomorrow is free entry for all supporters. The Barclays Premier League trophy will also be in attendance and there will be a number of activities for youngsters.