CONCORD Rangers winger Sam Bantick is aiming to break his National League South goalscoring duck against Eastbourne Borough tomorrow …although he has already netted against them this season.

Bantick was part of the AFC Sudbury team that travelled to Eastbourne in the qualifying rounds of the FA Cup in September, during a loan spell. And, although the Ryman One North side lost 2-1, Bantick got the Sudbury goal.

Sent out on loan by Adam Flanagan after his summer move from Brentwood Town to Concord, Bantick flourished in Suffolk netting five goals in eight matches.

But he is still on the lookout for his first National League South goal, having missed several opportunities to open his account in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Maidstone United.

And the man who scored 18 times last season, as well as clocking up 28 assists and winning a place in the Ryman One North team of the year, wants another scoring display against Eastbourne, after his exploits against them earlier in the season.

“We played Eastbourne in the FA Cup when I was at Sudbury and I scored,” said the 24-year-old. “We were playing a team two levels above us and we gave them a really good game at their place.

“It is my first time playing against a lot of these teams so it will be nice to take on a team I know a bit about. I enjoyed that game and want to make an impact again tomorrow.

“When I came over from Brentwood it was difficult. Me being me I was thinking I would be able to pick it up from last season when I did so well.

“But I went on loan to Sudbury for a bit and it served me really well. They are obviously going well in the league and I got some much-needed confidence there.

“I have come back into the team at Concord and I have been pleased with my progress in recent weeks. I am more consistent, although I still haven’t managed to get my first league goal. I have scored in the cup but I am still waiting for that league goal, although I have only started six matches at this level.”

Bantick was brought to Concord by Adam Flanagan, who managed him at Brentwood last season and he believes the loan spell he was sent on has helped him bridge the gap between the Ryman One North and the National League South.

And the winger said he is enjoying working under his old mentor once again.

“When Flan asked me I was pleased to come over,” said Bantick. “He is the best manager I have played under as he is always talking to me and helping me. It was a big step for us both but we are doing Ok this year. We are still learning but want to improve and we are showing signs of doing just that.

“It was a big leap going from Brentwood to Concord. You get so much more time on the ball in Ryman One North and the ball is moved so much quicker at this level but I understand that now. I know I still have a lot to learn.”