CONCORD Rangers manager Adam Flanagan says he is “not too pleased” with the start his side have made to pre-season ahead of a stellar friendly with League One Gillingham tonight.

The Beach Boys have drawn matches with Waltham Abbey and Folkestone Invicta so far but can expect a step-up in class when the Gills send a first-team squad to the Aspect Arena tonight.

That squad is likely to include Canvey lad and former player Billy Knott, who made the switch to the Kent side after leaving Bradford City in the close season.

And Flanagan says he expects to see an improvement from his team in the coming games, while admitting he is excited for the Gillingham clash.

“As a non-league club it is always pleasing to be able to play a league club, especially when they are in a position to bring a full strength first-team squad to you. I am hoping we can still rearrange something with Southend Under-21’s this pre-season.

“Concerning pre-season I am not too pleased at the moment with our performances if I am being honest. They haven’t been to the level I have wanted or expected.

“I am not overly fussed at this time as we still have four games to rectify our performances before the league campaign starts but I will be looking for big improvements in the weeks to come.”

The match kicks-off at 7:45pm with adult tickets costing £10 and concessions £5.

Also tonight, Canvey Island host a Leyton Orient XI at the Frost Financial Stadium (kick-off 7:45pm), Bowers & Pitsea travel to Harold Wood (kick-off 7pm) and Great Wakering Rovers welcome Bishop’s Stortford to Burroughs Park (kick-off 7:35pm).