Party Time For Proud Beachboys

Concord Rangers recovered from an early deficit to create history with a first-ever FA Trophy final place at Wembley – but it was just a shame no-one was there to witness it.

- Dave Johnson

Richard Gregory coolly put Step 4 Halesowen in front after just seven minutes but a Rob Evans own goal just before half-time and a winner from Alex Vall ten minutes from time sparked a Beachboys party, with very few guests.

“It’s an incredible journey for our small club to reach a national final at Wembley,” said jubilant Concord boss Danny Scopes.

“This achievement is for all those who work so hard and all those who volunteer for the club. It’s not been easy for us, especially as fitness is not the greatest at this stage of the season. But despite falling behind early on, I still believed we would make it.”

Like their hosts, Halesowen were on their own epic journey to Wembley with their 14th game of a Trophy run that started almost a year ago.

And it was they who were first to feature as captain Paul McCone headed back across the Concord goal from Robbie Bunn’s second-minute free-kick.