AN ENGLISH WINTER CAN NOT DETER BEACHBOYS
CONCORD Rangers just love overcoming the odds.
Danny Scopes’ side have now seen off three strong fellow National League South sides in the FA Trophy having added the scalp of Bath City in midweek to that of Maidstone United and Slough Town.
Next, they take on National League North side Leamington following Tuesday night’s 2-1 replay win over the Romans – a game played at the third time of asking.
Agonisingly, Concord’s first trip to Twerton Park was called off shortly before kick-off, although the postponement for the rearranged fixture at least saved them the 340-mile round trip from Canvey Island.
Thankfully, though, it proved to be thirdtime lucky on Tuesday night and boss Scopes returned home happy as the Beachboys reached the last 16 for the first time ever.
“When we were driving up first time you could just tell with the conditions,” Scopes said. “When I left Canvey Island in the day the pitch was touch-and-go but playable. There was a massive downpour between five and quarter to six – by then though, we were past the point of return.
“We were changed, we’d done our teamtalk and had been in with the match officials. The boys had their boots on and were ready to go. I was on the pitch setting the warm-up up when the ref said, ‘Look Dan I’m going to have to make a call here – I don’t think the game will finish if we start’.
“I couldn’t argue with it. I could see his point, standing on the pitch with puddles around my boots! I stood out there for three or four minutes trying to gather my thoughts before going in to tell the boys.
“Twerton Park is my favourite away ground. It’s unique, old school, the atmosphere it generates – it’s what I like about football.
“I had a chuckle to myself and channel the guys to use the disappointment and frustration in the right way. As a manager and a club, be respectful, get on the coach and go home but remember it and use it as a tool to get in our head for the next time.
“It was something we maybe used and helped us out a bit in the face of adversity to right a wrong. We were disappointed we didn’t win the first game but we had to get the job done and we did.”
Scopes also played for the Beachboys and was manager alongside Danny Cowley when they won the Essex Senior League in 2008 before stepping away to concentrate on family and business. But he returned to the dug-out this season – at a club he knows so well.
“Our aim is to stay in the division but cup runs are a bonus,” Scopes said. “The club and the players get a bit of kudos from doing well in the cups – and they deserve to.
“It helps put Concord Rangers on the map. As a manager you feel you’re giving something back if you get bring in some finances, whatever that may be.”