DANNY Cowley says Concord Rangers are altering their tactics as they bid to improve on an outstanding debut season in the Conference South.

The Beachboys finished ninth last season plus won the Essex Senior Cup and Cowley says if they eradicate some of their errors from set pieces they will be a force to reckon with when the season begins in ten days’ time.

The Concord boss admits all the while they are enjoying success, more will be expected of them.

“We keep smashing our goals and when you achieve so much you look at where you can improve more and that is our system,” said Cowley. “I am one for statistics and we conceded far too many goals from set-pieces last season so we have changed the way we defend those.

“We also lost too many games at home to teams lower in the league – especially when conceding the first goal. We are looking to be a bit more creative with the ball as we know we are dangerous on the counter-attack.”

Concord have enjoyed a successful pre-season to date, winning three and drawing two of their five matches (last night’s match against Dagenham & Redbridge concluded after the Echo went to press) but Cowley admits he is looking for more from his squad.

“Pre-season is always a test,” said Cowley. “At this point it is all about performances and conditioning and not so much about the outcome.

“This team is very much fitness based so when we work so hard on our energy levels during the week it is natural that, come the weekend’s match, we are a bit heavy in the legs.

“It is not a major issue but we are still searching for those intensity levels.

“The focus is all on August 9 (against Bath City) and we have to make sure we are ready then. People will naturally look at results and that is understandable.

“This has been our toughest pre-season in terms of who we have faced for many years and the fact we are unbeaten is encouraging.”

The small squad has seen their number swell by one, with the returning Gary Ogilvie back from his summer in North America.

“Oggers is back with us after a summer of playing in the USA and Canada,” said Cowley. “We must be careful that he doesn’t burnout, so we will bring him up to speed over the next fortnight.

“He is a high-energy player and has the desire so he will be back in the side very soon.”