Concord Rangers v Walthamstow preview

Walthamstow travel to Canvey Island this weekend to take on Concord Rangers in the Isthmian League.

It’s not an easy place for Stow to go to, who have not won a game at Thames Road in recent history.

Stow are in brilliant form, demolishing Lowestoft Town 9-0 on Saturday and beating Erith & Belvedere 6-0 in the London Senior Cup on Tuesday evening. Stow went in front just two minutes in thanks to Fatih Mustafa’s second goal in three games since joining from Stevenage on loan. Elijah Grant and Danny Cowlin scored braces each, added on by a goal from Joden Trickett to send Stow into the next round, where they will face either Woodford Town or Hendon away.

Our hosts – The Beach Boys

Concord have had a good start to their season, sitting 6th in the league only six points off top spot. They’ve picked up wins against AFC Sudbury, Newmarket Town, Witham Town, Fakenham Town, drew 2-2 against Grays Athletic and lost to Buckhurst Hill. Their most recent league game away at Little Oakley was abandoned early in the first half due to an injury.

The Beach Boys progressed to the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, beating Bedfont Sports and Clapton Community FC on their way there. Concord were drawn at home against Step 3 side Brentwood Town where they took them to a replay, but Brentwood knocked the Rangers out after a 4-2 win. In the Trophy, they beat Witham Town on penalties, but lost to Southern Central side Winslow United 5-0 in the Second Qualifying Round.

Concord were in action on Monday night where they travelled to Bowers & Pitsea in the Isthmian League Cup, where the hosts were victorious on the night in a 3-1 win. Goals from Riley Scopes, Renei Batlokwa and Freddie Petherick gave Bowers a 3-0 lead before Beau Masters-Macdonald scored a consolation goal in the 91st minute.

Previous meetings

Last season, it was a Concord double as they won both meetings between the two sides. Stow hosted Concord in late October, where a brace from Bobby Kelman gave them a two goal lead. Brian Garzon pulled one back for Stow, but it was too little, too late. In the reverse fixture, Concord went in front through former Stow striker Khris Oti before Callum Ibe equalised before half time. Reggie Gregory regained Concord’s lead, before Thomas Sykes goal making it 3-1. Charlie Heatley pulled one back late on, but it was another case of Stow leaving it too late.

Walthamstow and Concord’s common people

Players to have featured for both sides include Demi Elegushi, Khris Oti, Jaiden Babalola, Alfie Gilbey and Nathan Smith.