Concord Rangers 4-1 Eastbourne Borough

From the Aspect Arena

National League South

 

CONCORD Rangers’ strong start to 2016 continued as they ran out 4-1 winners against Eastbourne Borough.

A brace from Steve Cawley, a first Concord goal for Sam Bantick and a strike from Ben Greenhalgh handed the Beach Boys their first win over the south coast side since they were promoted to the National League South back in 2013.

Concord had salvaged a point against Maidstone United last weekend as a last-minute John Easterford header ensured a 2-2 draw.

Concord created enough chances to win the match that day, but they only needed one sight of goal to take the advantage against Borough.

It was an incredibly straight-forward goal, with just two players involved in the build-up. A straight ball from goalkeeper Ben McNamara found the run of the onside Cawley and he stroked beyond the dive of Lewis Carey.

Max Cornhill came close to doubling the advantage, but his poked effort was shovelled away by the goalkeeper.

But there was no stopping the second goal. A fine move down the right involving Greenhalgh and Lewis Taaffe saw the ball squared to Cawley and he curled into the corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Eastbourne had rarely threatened but, two minutes after falling two behind they were given a lifeline.

Cornhill was penalised for backing in inside the penalty area and Nathaniel Pinney smashed home a penalty, although McNamara almost kept out the kick.

Back came Concord and they scored a third goal 10 minutes before the half was out. A flick in the centre of the field freed Taaffe who was through on goal and, although his shot may have been creeping in the far post, Bantick made sure.

Comfortable at the break, Eastbourne started the second period brighter. Arthur Lee survived penalty claims after Kane Haysman went down under pressure in the box, but the Beach Boys improved.

Cornhill had two headers cleared off the line before McNamara was brought into action, Having saved from Pinney, he spread himself well to keep out Haysman and keep Concord’s two-goal advantage.

Cawley shot over as the clock ticked down, but Greenhalgh got the fourth as he cut inside and finished with aplomb.

 

Concord Rangers: Concord Rangers: McNamara, Dowie, Stephen, Cornhill, King, Lee, Taaffe, White, Greenhalgh, Cawley (Topley), Bantick (Osborn)

Eastbourne Borough: Carey, Stone, Beale, Evans, Simpemba, Khinda-John, Romain (McCallum), Collier, Pinney, Taylor, Haysman