WEALDSTONE v CONCORD BY MARTIN READ WORLD OF BALL

Random pictute of Stones’ son. A September start would mean an end celebration at Dartford of the season on the final May bank holiday. courtesy of Adam Williams So yeah, you heard me - actually playing Forget throughout the full month of May. Next to no international concerns to consider for our players, so why not? Perhaps have the play off finals on that final Spring Bank Holiday weekend, or indeed the weekend after. For August to April, followers of the professional game, whose seasons will have finished earlier, it would be an opportunity to support their local team’s last push for promotion or whatever having September to closed the book on their own club’s exploits. 4 A better showcase May would be I know the BBC in particular does well by the FA Cup. Instead of some random choice of FA Cup preliminary round tie, imagine this on Football Focus: “On today’s programme an interview with Fulham new boy Andreas better for Schurrle, the top 10 reasons why Mourinho’s on his way out - and as the non-league sea- son begins, we look at the clubs and players to watch.” A distinct identity, distinctively non-league profiled. It would be as if the ‘regular’ game had been added to. More opportunities to he definition of madness, as I’m sure league season. It wouldn’t get lost amongst promote the uniqueness of non-league. we are all familiar with by now, is pundits, the minutiae leading up to transfer all the professional game’s fanfare and doing the same thing over and over deadline day and all the other mass media hoopla. Non-league day could be the first coverage that surrounds the sport’s big boys. 5 A scout’s paradise Tand expecting a different result. So sure, day of the non-league season, tying in with the non-league game has been carefully Here’s my issue: By the first weekend the early September international break. A Having the non-league season end in the restructured over the last two decades, with of September, we in the National League separate, fresh start to the football season. last week of May would allow big club scouts, new IT making it ever easier for local fans to South will have completed fully one sixth of A nice little phase-shift: Same without the distractions of connect with their local clubs. But still, every our league campaign already. This despite sport, different diary. other divisions, to scout play- season we continue to start the non-league August being the only full month that families ers at their peak in their most campaign in August, just like all the other with children can go away on holiday. It’s 2 Schooling a new “The return to important matches. professional leagues. And because of this, surely borderline insane to start the season generation Look, I know this pro- we lose any opportunity to capitalise on the when so many impressionable members of school would be posal is far from perfect. unique identity and (ugh) “brand” that non- football’s next generation of supporters are For kids, the return to school For instance, I’m well aware league football so clearly has. all out doing other things with their parents; would be linked directly to the that there’s no obvious way first day of the season. New Obviously there’s so much to be said families forced away from home during the linked to the first to include the FA Cup in a term, new targets, new kit, about the sense of freshness at the begin- the school holiday period of late July to the later season start, especially new players, new opposition. ning of each season. It’s about renewal, first week of September. given the extra preliminary Synchronise all of that the day of the season” rebirth, unchartered opportunity, awakening. What non-league football needs is to round seems to start earlier newness! Create that bond, Every August the future’s bright. Forget the say sod it, let the fully professional game each year. But I refuse to believe something make that psychological connection between arithmetic - the trifling fact that just two of have August. Let them shout loudly about couldn’t be arranged. The non-league game supporter and club. Start when the schools 22 can ultimately progress upward; at this Mourinho this, Klopp that. Let’s instead loudly is going ever greater guns these days, no start back. Connect the season to conk- stage, anything’s possible. Logic goes out the trumpet our own unique start tine and make doubt fuelled by traditional fans’ anger over ers; fix the season to the sights and smells window. Last year’s 19th is this year’s title. the first weeks of September the start to the being ripped off by the professional game’s of impending autumn. Liniment. A sense of Things might. They just might. semi-pro season. Below are my reasons why. ticket and TV prices. But it’s still operating change in the air and not all that incongru- in the shadow of the big boys. Shifting the So a season’s start is always an excit- ous, mid-summer heat. ing thing. Indeed this year there’s even a 1 Local connections season out of phase by a month or so could whole new tier of leagues. My point is that I For a tier of football that depends not 3 Making May matter make for a very positive change indeed. think we throw all of this novelty away. The so much on history but on developing an Because the definition of madness, as I’m non-league game’s uniquely individual sense association between local people and their A September start would allow May to be a sure we are all familiar with by now, is doing of annual renewal is drowned out by all the local clubs, a September start would offer a month of fresh footballing drama following on the same thing over and over and expecting colour supplements, screaming clearer, more distinct identity to the non- from the final days of the professional sea- a different result. WEALDSTONE v CONCORD BALL SPONSORS BALL SPONSORS

A traditional package for businesses (from £175 + vat) or fans (from £150) that will give you the satisfaction of knowing you have paid for the ball that Wealdstone FC are banging into the net (or out of the ground…).

As the match ball donor you will enjoy:

2x Match tickets (+ car parking space) Prime seats in the main stand if required Publicity over the PA system and via the official club website and social media Boardroom hospitality (half time refreshments, snacks and hot food after the game) Bar allowance 2x Match-day programmes Eastbourne Borough Slough Town If you or your organisation are interested in donating the matchball for a home match then please contact cub President, Paul Rumens (paulrumens59@gmail. 1st DECEMBER • VANARAMA 26th DECEMBER • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH com) or call 07710 929692) • Tony & Peter Drew • Your name and details here

07710 929692 • Your name and details here Bromley Weston-super-Mare Oxford City Dartford 28TH JULY • PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY 4th AUGUST • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 29th DECEMBER • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 5th JANUARY • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH • Alan Couch • Alan Hill • Your name and details here • Terry Hissey • Simon Stephens • Your name and details here Woking Concord Rangers Hungerford Town Billericay Town 13TH AUGUST • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 25th AUGUST • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 19th JANUARY • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 2nd FEBRUARY • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH • Your name and details here • Barry O’Sullivan • Your name and details here • Your name and details here

BY GETTINGBY IN TOUCH ON • Your name and details here • Your name and details here • Your name and details here Truro City Chelmsford City St.Albans City Welling United 1ST SEPTEMBER • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 15th SEPTEMBER • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 16th FEBRUARY • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 9th MARCH • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH • Alan Couch • Your name and details here • In memory of Jim Klarfeld • Your name and details here • Mike & Val Weston • Your name and details here • Your name and details here BALL SPONSORBALL Hampton & Richmond Torquay United Chippenham Town East Thurrock United 13th OCTOBER • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 27th OCTOBER • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 23rd MARCH • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 6th APRIL • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH • Your name and details here • Your name and details here • Your name and details here • Your name and details here • Your name and details here • Your name and details here • Your name and details here • Your name and details here Gloucester City Bath City Dulwich Hamlet Hemel Hempstead Town 29th OCTOBER • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 10th NOVEMBER • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 20th APRIL • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 27th APRIL • VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH BECOME A 2018/2019 • Your name and details here • Your name and details here • ‘In memory of Wealdstone Fans no longer with • Your name and details here • Your name and details here • Your name and details here us’: Ron Moore, Dave Edwards, Tony & Peter Drew • Your name and details here 10 SPORTWIK ISTHMIAN YOUTH LEAGUE WEALDSTONE Wednesday MARCH Monday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday FEBRUARY Wednesday Monday Wednesday Wednesday JANUARY Wednesday Wednesday DECEMBER Thursday Wednesday Thursday NOVEMBER Tuesday Wednesday OCTOBER Wednesday Wednesday SEPTEMBER Wednesday Thursday Wednesday AUGUST 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Wealdstone Staines Town Bar TownPotters Northwood Hayes & Yeading United Hampton &Richmond Camberley Town Bedfont Sports Ashford Town Aldershot Town

U18’s U18’s 6th 25th 20th 13th 6th 30th 21st 16th 9th 12th 5th 29th 1st 23rd 10th 19th 12th 29th 23rd 15th 21st 2018/2019 HAYES & YEADING UNITEDH Aldershot Town A CAMBERLEY TOWN H STAINES TOWN NORTHWOOD H ASHFORD TOWN Bedfont Sports Hampton &RichmondBorough A POTTERS BARTOWN Hayes & Yeading United ALDERSHOT TOWN Town Camberley Northwood Ashford Town A BEDFONT SPORTSH HEMEL HEMPSTEADTOWN H HAMPTON &RICHMONDBOROUGHH Hayes & Yeading A Potters Bar Town Hanwell Town H Staines TownStaines P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

W 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

H H A A A A A Friendly League Cup1rd L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

H A H W 1-0 F 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

WEALDSTONE FC UNDER 18’S 2018/2019 FIXTURES -ALL HOME GAMES KO @ 7.30PM CONCORD RANGERS WEALDSTONE v CONCORD OPPOSITION IN FOCUS

which was played at Wembley Stadium. 2012-13 A remarkable season for Concord Concord’s Danny Heale won the Don Douglas winning the Ryman League Cup Final 3 – Trophy for the second time as the Leagues top 2 against Dulwich Hamlet and winning the marksman scoring a magnificent 46 goals and Ryman Play-Off Final 2 setting an Senior League record. – 1 at Lowestoft Town to gain promotion to Club President, Albert Lant won an The Conference South, Concord reached Gill, Steve Barnes, Brian Godfrey, Lee and outstanding achievement award from the the Semi-Final losing John Slater, Rob Fletcher (Electrics) all Essex County Football Association for 40 2 – 0 to Grays Athletic contributed. years unbroken service to Concord Rangers. 2013 -14 Having been promoted last 1988-1989 Concord joined the Essex 2008-09 Having gained promotion rom the season, Concord was looking for a Intermediate League and was Divisional Essex Senior League we would have been position that would enable them to stay League and Cup Winners. happy with a in the Conference South after seeing 1991-1992 Concord joined the Essex Senior mid table position at the end of our first both AFC Hornchurch and Billericay www.wfcmegastore.co.uk League and achieved the following. season in the Ryman League Div 1 Nth. Town relegated after just one season. 1996-1997 Essex Senior League Cup The Management team of Danny Scopes Manager , his Assistant winners defeating Ford Utd and Danny Cowley managed to get the Glen Alzapiedi and the Players surpassed 1 – 0. best out of our players and we achieved a the Clubs expectations by finishing in a 1997-1998 Essex Senior League Play-off position having finished 5th. We very respectful 9th position and to cap a Championship winners then went on to beat East Thurrock Utd, very good season Concord won the Essex oncord Rangers originated from a Manager – Lee Paterson who had finished in 2nd spot 1- 0 in the Senior Cup Final. team of boys headed by Steve Lant. 1999-2000 Harry Fisher Memorial Trophy Play - off semi-final, Danny Heale scored 2014 - 15 A fine achievement in winning They played friendly matches during winners defeating Burnham Ramblers 3 – 2 a magnificent goal to put us through the Essex Senior Cup for 2nd successive C1966 on a pitch along the 2002-2003 Essex Senior League Runners-up to the final and play Waltham Abbey. year winning 5 – 0 against Billericay seafront close to the Concord Beach 2003-2004 Essex Senior League Concord was only 10 minutes away from Town in the final and finishing 7th in the hence the name Concord Rangers and the Championship winners playing in the Ryman Premier League Conference South, the only negative this nickname The Beach Boys. Manager – Ben Embery this season having gone one up through season was to see the Manager Danny Danny Heale is the winner of the Don Douglas Fabien Batchelor but Waltham Abbey’s Cowley and Danny’s brother Nicky his 1967 – Albert Lant, Steve’s father and current Trophy this season for the Leagues top scorer Harry Elmes scored in the 80th minute to assistant move on to pastures new with Club President became the team manager with a tally of 32 goals. take the game to penalties which Concord Conference Premier Braintree Town, and took the club into competitive football. The Founder Albert Lant retired after 25 years as finally lost 5 – 4. 2015 – 16 Adam Flanagan became Club joined the Thundermite Boys Football Chairman in 1992 to become the Club 2009-10 Concord win the Ryman League Concords new manager and did a good League. President. Current Club Treasurer Jack Smith Div 1 Nth Play-Off final 3-1 against Enfield job in his first season at National League 1973 – Concord joined the Vange and District then held the Chairman position for two years, Town to gain promotion the Ryman South level having guided Brentwood League and during this period they won Grant Beglan who is the CEO at Aspect Premier Division. Town to the Ryman League Premier several league and cup honours. Contracts, Concords main sponsors, then 2010-11 Concord had a very good first Division priorto joining Concord. Adam 1979 – Concord became the first winners of became Chairman and also held the position season in the Ryman Premier Division, achieved a 10th position in the National the Essex Sunday Junior Trophy managed by for two years. Antony Smith is the current finishing in 8th position, our aim at the League South which was a respectable current Secretary Chris Crerie with a 4 – 0 win Chairman and is very hands-on in his start of the season was to avoid relegation position for the Club as well as winning the over Bishops Park from Brentwood.. approach, under Antony’s guidance the Club therefore reaching 8th spot was very Essex Senior Cup for the 3rd year in a row. Saturday football was introduced to the club has seen fantastic progress these past few creditable but just missing out on a Play- 2016 -17 Concord had their most when Concord joined the Mid Essex League seasons both on the playing side and also on Off position by two points was a great difficult time in the National South but and played their home games at Waterside the development of the ground. team effort. managed to avoid relegation by finishing Farm on Canvey Island. 2007-08 Concord Rangers 40th 2011-12 After a poor start to the season in 18th position. 1985 – Concord secured some land at Anniversary season with some key players unavailable due to 2017-18 Concord had another difficult Thames Road, Canvey Island, the club Danny Scopes and Danny Cowley become injuries, Concord did not time in the National South eventualy developed the clubhouse and ground with joint managers and managed the team in this manage to play their normal style of finishing in 17th position. Jack Smith, current club treasurer being the important year for the Club and they had a football for several months into the season mastermind behind the project, he organised magnificent year, Concord ended the season but after being in the bottom four for quite CONCORD FACTS the winners of the Essex Senior League. a while Concord put in an undefeated funds, labour and materials and worked many Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy winners and run of twelve games and at one time GROUND -The Aspect Arena hours himself on the site. A special mention were Essex Senior League Cup Finalists. managed to get into a play-off position CAPACITY - 3,300 goes to the late Clive Smith ( Jack’s brother ) Concord also reached the Qtr-final of the FA but unfortunately tailed off towards the end MANAGER - without Clive’s machinery and labour Vase this season before losing 1 – 0 to of the season and finally finished in 14th 2017/18 - Natianal League South 17th FIND A WHOLE OF THE WORLD WEALDSTONE MEMORABILIA MEGASTORE: AT Concord’s pitch would not exist also Martin Lowestoft Town who went on to reach the final position. CONCORD RANGERS OPPOSITION IN FOCUS THE BEACH BOYS WHO’S WHO..

FRAZER SHAW ARON POLLOCK experience to the side. after being released by Barnsley, but during Following the management team of Moore Signed for the Beachboys less than a week ALEX WALL this time he was dual registered at Waltham Forest where he made a handful of appear- and Midson to Concord Rangers from before the 2018/19 season, Aron is a Basil- Forward Alex was signed at the start of this ances. A year at Dulwich Hamlet followed Leatherhead over the summer, Frazer is an don-born defender who came through the season following his release from Dartford. which included a loan back to Leatherhead experienced defender who came through the youth system at Leyton Orient, earning a spot Previous clubs include Bromley, Bristol where he played under Sammy Moore, and youth system at West Ham before getting in the first team in 2016. Loans at Wingate Rovers, Luton Town, Maidenhead United & it was that connection that helped bring into the non league game with Billericay & Finchley and Wealdstone followed, before Thatchem Town. Town. A move to Dulwich Hamlet followed, he joined Leatherhead on loan and linked up the young and talented forward to Concord before joining Leyton Orient and making 25 with Moore & Midson. Following his release JACK MIDSON Rangers this summer. appearances for the club. Shaw has been from Orient, the Letherhead move was made Assistant Manager, Followed Sammy Moore ADAM TOPLEY to the Beachboys in the summer having on the books at East Thurrock, Woking and permanent and this summer followed his A graduate from the Beachboys youth www.wfcmegastore.co.uk spent the previous season as Sammys Eastleigh before signing for Leatherhead last former management team to Concord. system, Adam scored regularly for the under number 2 at Leatherhead. Midson played season. 18s during 2015/16 and on the back of those LEE MINSHULL alongside Moore at AFC Wimbledon, with performances made a number of appear- JED SMITH A product of the Charlton Athletic School of Jack making over 120 appearances for the ances on the first team bench Another product of the youth system here at Excellence, Minshull joins Concord Rangers Dons. He also had a successful towards the end of that year. Concord Rangers, Jed is a versatile player following a spell at Leatherhead last season. spell at Eastleigh before mov- Toppers continued to make who can provide extra force going forward Lee began his senior career at Ramsgate ing to the Tanners and forming appearances off the bench dur- from the middle of the park, but can also be before joining Tonbridge Angels and scoring that formidable partnership with ing 2016/17, and established reliable and resolute in the back line. Smith 17 goals during the 2009/10 season. Minshull Sammy Moore. Will be splitting himself as a first team regular shone last season as he initially covered the has played for a number of clubs including duties between assistant man- last season under Adam Fla- right back position, but soon became a regu- Newport County, Bromley and AFC Wimble- ager and player this season nagan. Adam will be looking to lar in the side and proved to be one of the don, and will look to use that experience to much like Moore. most consistent players in the side. Having help Concord Rangers push towards the continue his growth as a player committed to the Beachboys for another sea- National League. BILLY KNOTT under the new management A player with strong ties to team this season. son, Jed will continue to improve and will be RYAN HAYES a huge presence for the club going forward the club, Billy joined Concord Ryan joins Concord Rangers having spent Rangers in the summer of SAM BLACKMAN the last 13 years as part of the side at Dart- 2018 having played for Lincoln A young and talented midfielder who joined ford FC, being one of their longest serving City for the past season & a SAMMY MOORE the Moore & Midson revolution at Concord players as a result. Hayes was a firm fan fa- half under former Beachboys MANAGER Rangers this summer, Sam joins the club vourite, amassing over 400 appearances for boss Danny Cowley. Billy spent Taking the reigns at Concord having started his career at the Milwall the Darts and scoring a number of key goals. his youth career briefly at West Ham before Rangers soon after the 2017/18 season academy from U9s through to U16s. Sam The midfielder will undoubtedly win over the coming through the Chelsea academy. Join- ended, Sammy Moore spent the previous then moved to Leatherhead and established fans quickly at Concord Rangers with his ing Sunderland after being released from season leading Leatherhead to the himself as a first team regular at just 17 years determined and hard working performances, Chelsea, Knotty spent time on loan at AFC Senior Cup final. Moore had a highly suc- old. Having played in the States for America and is one of the many new Beachboys look- Wimbledon, Woking, Wycombe and Port Vale cessful playing career prior to management, Tormenta FC, and back here for Margate ing to take the club to the next level. before signing permanently with Bradford with memorable spells at Dover Athletic, AFC before becoming a Beachboy, Sam is looking in 2014. A year at Gillingham followed in DANNY GREEN Wimbledon and then Leyton Orient where he to make a positive impact on the National 2016/17 before joining Lincoln initially on The right sided winger joined the Beachboys made 34 appearances during what proved League South this season. loan. Billy is a powerful attacking midfielder in the summer as one of the many new faces to be a trying time off the field for the Os. who will undoubtedly become a firm fan TYRONE STERLING brought in by the new management team of Sammy has already rung the changes at favourite during his time here. The 30-year-old defender joins Concord Moore and Midson. Green started his career Concord Rangers as gaffer, and is looking Rangers having spent last season as part coming through the youth system at Charl- NANA BOAKYE-YIDOM to take the club to the next level from the of the Bromley side that made it to the FA ton, and spent his early years in the game Beginning his career with the West Ham touchline and when putting a shift in on the Trophy final at Wembley, making 43 appear- at Northampton Town, Nottingham Forest youth academy, Nana had a successful pitch after a couple of tough seasons here at ances during that time. Sterling can play as and then Bishop’s Stortford during 2008/09. trial at Barnsley and signed a pro contract Thames Road. either a full-back or centre-back, and has Danny spent the next 8 years in Leagues there in 2014. Nana joined Leatherhead a wealth of non-league experience having One and Two with stints with Dagenham & played in the Bostick Leagues all the way Redbridge, Charlton, MK Dons and Luton through to the National League. Tyrone lists Town, before a double leg break prevented WEALDSTONE’S RECORD v CONCORD RANGERS Cray Wanderers, Dartford and Dover as him from taking any part in the 2016/17 previous clubs. season. After playing for local rivals Chelms-

FIND A WHOLE OF THE WORLD WEALDSTONE MEMORABILIA MEGASTORE: AT ford City last year, Danny brings a wealth of P 17 W 7 D 4 L 6 F 29 A 27 APPEARANCES FIRST TEAM, SEASON 2018/19 as at 22nd August 2018 A = STARTING APPEARANCES • S = APPEARANCE AS SUBSTITUTE • G = GOALS SCORED * = HAS NOW LEFT CLUB

NATIONAL FA FA MIDDX MIDDX TOTALS WEALDSTONE LEAGUE CUP TROPHY SENIOR CHARITY CAREER SOUTH CUP CUP A S G A S G A S G A S G A S G A S G A S G Ahmidi, Wahad 4 4 4 Bubb, Bradley 3 3 12 5 5 Grant, Freddie 3 3 3 Green, Danny 3 1 3 1 99 9 25 Hudson-Odoi, Bradley 3 1 3 1 41 8 16 Lench, Matt 2 1 2 1 2 1 Mambo, Yado 1 1 1 Mitchell, Reece 1 1 1 Monakana, Jeffrey 2 1 2 1 8 3 1 North, Jonathan 4 4 347 1 Okimo, Jerome 4 4 101 5 1 Poku, Godrey 4 4 4 Pratt, David 4 3 4 3 25 1 9 Sheppard, Jake 1 1 1 1 13 2 1 Stevens, Connor 4 4 4 Tyler, Rhys 4 4 4 White, Joe 4 1 4 1 21 4 9 Wilson, Glenn 20 1 1 CONCORD REWIND BY TIM PARKS

rom the sub- lime to the ridiculous... God Only Knows, the Last weekF we faced Woking here at the Vale, It’s agony for the Stones with a shared history as Peter Dean (No.9) is going back over 55 Beach Boys won’t forget denied once again by years, while today we on-loan keeper Callum take on Concord Rangers Chambers at the Gun who only started playing the name Richard Jolly Turret End senior football in 1991. Yet there have been sev- game saw us beat Hendon 1-0 with an eral momentous clashes between own goal, and he got off the mark in our two clubs since we first met the next game, a 2-1 win over he most high-profile of the Stones losing out in ‘The Beachboys’ in 2011 - in Hendon. meetings came at the Really Bad front of a mammoth home fact that very first meeting was Then came this bitterly cold end of the 2012-13 sea- crowd: 1,005 packed the simply astonishing... afternoon in deepest Essex, Tson when our clubs were jock- Vale, the first home crowd of January 29 2011, Ryman against a Concord Rangers outfit eying for position in the the over 1,000 since the 1987- vibrations www.wfcmegastore.co.uk Prem: Concord Rangers 1 that had lost only one of its Ryman Prem play-offs. 88 Conference relegation Wealdstone 6 previous eight matches. But the We faced off at Grosvenor season when he had 1,700 www.wfcmegastore.co.uk 2011Stones were magnificent! for the visit of Barnet, 1,300 WHEN Gordon Bartlett made his Vale in March and it was the as we lost for Wycombe and 1,100 for dramatic move to bring prolific old boy Our brand of neat, albeit sometimes Stones who emerged trium- Richard Jolly back to the Stones, no one fragile, quick-fire passing football was phant 2-1 winners thanks to Lincoln City. We reproduce could have foreseen how the striker ideally suited to Jolly’s deadly poach- two goals in the last two min- the Essex Evening Echo would transform the team in the ing abilities in and around the box the play-off report that gives a fair sum- utes - Esmond James levelling space of a one-month loan and he ended the game with FOUR from Lee Chappell’s corner, mary of the heartbreaking spell. goals to his name. Peter Dean, in and then in injury time, Tom Pett evening... This was his third game his favoured striking role, got the chesting down an Alex Dyer pass ‘CONCORD Rangers booked their back in a blue shirt, Sutton other two including a well-taken to fire a dramatic winner. It was place in Monday’s Ryman United happy to let their penalty after Concord’s flus- tough on Concord who had Premier play-off final against former AFC Wimbledon tered goalkeeper Dale Brightly seen Leon McKenzie red-card- Lowestoft with a heart-of-a-lion striker regain his mojo in was sent off for bringing down ed for comeback win over Wealdstone front of goal... and five games Jolls. Remarkably, if Jolly had allegendly headbutting Sean after extra-time tonight. later they were clamouring to taken the penalty himself he’d Cronin, and then taking the lead The Stones were good value for have been the first Stones player 2013 their 62nd minute lead through the get him back to Gander through James White in the 70th Green Lane! to score five goals in a league minner. prolific Richard Jolly, but a late level- We were rooted in match since the club turned pro- Much acrimony followed at the final whis- ler from Steve King and an extra-time win- mid-table. fessional in 1971. Mark Graves is tle, with their abrasive management team ner from Tony Stokes sent the Beachboys Jolls’ the only other player during the last (the Cawley brothers) subjected to some through. Wealdstone were completely first 47 years to net five for Wealdstone taunting... but Concord were to have their dominant for the opening 20 minutes with but that was in a friendly against their best effort seeing Southend loanee MAGAZINES AT THE WFC MEGASTORE: THE MEGASTORE: WFC AT MAGAZINES revenge just a few weeks later.... Wimbledon (now MK Dons) back in 1983. keeper Luke Chambers pull off a wonder Wednesday May 1st 2013, Ryman Prem Jolls was on fire in his loan spell, and fol- save to push Chris O’Leary’s deflected play-off semi-final: Wealdstone 1 lowed up with a hat-trick in a 4-2 win at effort over the bar. O’Leary had already Concord Rangers 2 (after extra time) Maidstone United in the next game, and headed down and wide from a corner when THIS was an agonising defeat for the finally two goals in the 3-3 home draw he should have scored. Stones, having set up a home play-off with Canvey Island. Ten goals in five Concord settled after that but were lucky semi-final after finishing third in the league games: Has there ever been a better not to fall behind five minutes before the behind Whitehawk and runners-up loan spell in professional footbal? break when the hosts hit the bar twice in Lowestoft Town. ELMSLIE ENDER ENDER ELMSLIE Wealdstone line-up at Concord: North, quick succession - Alex Dyer swished a But it was a cruel reversal of fortunes Hammond, Massey, Parker, Cronin, half-volley against the face of the wood- from the previous clash with Concord, the Dyer, Spendlove, Brooks, Dean, Jolly, work and Peter Dean put a very present- Stones this time playing all the football but Chappell. Subs: Morgan, Martin (used), able follow-up shot into the side netting. conceding an 88th-minute leveller that took Gill (used), Federico (used), Leggett Then Dean - drafted into the starting line the game to extra time. It followed the trend FIND OLD (GK, unused) CONTD OVERPAGE FIND PRE-LOVED PROGRAMMES THE MEGASTORE: WFC FIND PRE-LOVED LIKE THESE AT CONCORD REWIND CONTINUED ON THIS DAY BY GORDON MCKAY

up at the last minute following an Tony Stokes. The 29-goal man did not start injury to Wes Parker in the warm up - the game because of illness but replaced slid an effort onto the bar when Lee McKenzie with Concord chasing the game Chappell flicked on Scott McGleish’s left- and was on hand to turn the ball home from The one time we beat wing cross. close range after King’s header had been Concord were better after the restart so it clawed off the line by keeper Rikki Banks. was a body blow when they fell behind in It sent the samll band of travelling the 62nd minute - James Elmes was harshly Concord fans into delirium as they started Bath.. we lost on agg! booked for a foul on the edge of the box, to contemplate Monday’s showdown at and Chappell curled in the dead ball for the Crown Meadow against Lowestoft Town. 1982: Bath City (away) Bob Lord Trophy miles behind evergreen Richard Jolly to glance home a Wealdstone (4-4-2): Banks; Hammond first round, 1st leg) Won 1-0 in the head to header. Moore 120), Massey, Cronin, Chappell; his was a remarkable result on a head record. Then Stones should have been out of Dean (James 116), O’Leary, Dyer, Godfrey; balmy evening down in the West Hence the sight when Jolly sprung the offside trap and Jolly, McGleish. Country. wonder when, cut the ball back for McGleish who had Concord (4-4-2): Chambers; Lampe, King, TFor those Stones fans who were around on this occa- time to take a touch and produce a shot Fry (Easterford 73), Glozier; Gordon, 30-40 years ago I don’t need to elaborate sion, we man- which Chambers did brilliantly to tip on to White, Elmes, Robinson (Hallett 63); on our record against Bath over the aged to do the bar. That was the game-changing Greenhalgh, McKenzie (Stokes 80). decades which was simply appalling - in the impossible and came away with

moment and there was no doubting the Lowestoft, beaten in the play-off final for fact it’s very rare in football that when you a 1-0 win courtesy of a low Fred Barwick www.wfcmegastore.co.uk nerves permeating around the 1,055-strong the previous two years were certain that this play a side as often as we have Bath, that strike from the edge of the box . crowd as the game entered the final stages. would be their day... but the 2,500-plus so few wins are achieved. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? The equaliser came with a minute to go Bank Holiday crowd were stunned by goals I can state without any fear of contradic- All too predictable I’m afraid. A week later when a ball into the box was only half- from Steve King and Leon Gordon with tion that Bath are a true bogey side for us in the return leg at Lower Mead we lost 2-0 cleared and Leon Gordon’s scuffed shot Scott Mitchell pulling one back late in the and although we’ve managed to turn it and crashed out of the cup 2-1 on from the edge of the box made its way day. Thus Concord were promoted to the around a bit in recent years we are still aggregate. Enough said. through a host of bodies and was turned in National League League and manager from close range by King. Danny Cowley said: “We are not the best After a nip-and-tuck opening half to team in this league, we haven’t got the best extra time Concord took the lead four min- players in this league, but we have got the utes after the restart through their talisman biggest spirit and the most character.” 1982 Bitterfleet memories 2014: Ebbsfleet (away) National League lenge. Out came Saturday November 22 2014, National League South: South: Drew 0-0 the red card and Wealdstone 1 Concord Rangers 0 we had a man TRADEMARK header from Scott McGleish - from Bank Holiday visit to Ebbsfleet in the advantage for the a brilliant Sean Lucien cross - was enough to early weeks of our debut season in rest of the game. secure a vital first home win for the Stones in our the Conference South was a daunting However we sel- Adebut Conference South season. Aprospect at the time. dom made use of We had made a wretched start, no wins in the first They were full time and packed full of it and with their nine games and also knocked out of the FA Cup in the experience and quality, whereas we were quality it just 2nd qualifying round by... yes you guessed it, Concord trying to find our feet at this level with a evened things out. Rangers after a replay. side that soon became apparent was not Things could have But boss Gordon Bartlett was slowly getting new up to the task. Although Ebbsfleet’s ground been worse though for us as another ill players in and we had won 2-0 at Chelmsford the pre- has undergone some changes in recent advised sliding tackle in the box just before vious Monday night. Concord were tough and combat- years it was still as I remembered it from half time saw Ebbsfleet awarded a penalty. ive but a tremendous save by Jonathan North from the 70’s for this game and for various rea- Luckily North guessed right and turned Jordan Chiedoze changed the complexion of the sons was always one of my favourites. Charlie Sheringham’s spot kick around the game - we broke to the other end and a mazy run and The game was played in heavy rain post. A good point even with the extra man. cross from Lucien was seized upon by the reliable McGleish (left). throughout which made good football tricky The Stones’ season was up and running and we went on a tremendous and of course challenges that were slightly WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? 11-game unbeaten run going into the New Year. We finished midway and mistimed ended up looking reckless. This We quickly went into a nose dive and saved a season that was looking like an unmitigated disaster. happened several times - and it went didn’t win until our 10th attempt. However Wealdstone: North, Hammond, Watts, Parker, Cronin, Godfrey, against Ebbsfleet after about 15 minutes the Autumn saw a much changed team 2014 slowly draw away from the bottom and Lucien, Ball, McGleish, Brown, Turner. Subs: Hickey, Martin (used), when McMahon slid in on Luke O’Nien and Hamblin, Jolly, Carter (GK) caught him with a clumsy looking chal- finish in mid-table respectability. FIND PRE-LOVED PROGRAMMES THE MEGASTORE: WFC FIND PRE-LOVED LIKE THESE AT