Saturday, February 27, 2016.

Before Saturday, this was the date both Concord Rangers and Canvey Island had last recorded victories on the same weekend.

Canvey beat Lewes 5-2, with the Beach Boys getting the better of Dartford on their travels. This weekend saw Concord defeat Eastbourne Borough 3-1, with Canvey Island securing a crucial three points at Met Police.

The importance of each victory cannot be understated, particularly for Canvey who have not only lost games in recent weeks but been humbled on a number of occasions.

Concord meanwhile are finally turning around their home form. A wretched start at the Aspect Arena meant it wasn’t until their 11th competitive game of the season that the home fans could celebrate a win of their own turf, although the side seems to be turning on that score and not a moment too soon.

Now six points above the drop zone - albeit having played more matches than those below them - Concord can be confident of securing their National League South status after it seriously looked as though they would be dragged into a relegation dogfight.

And a return to form on their own patch can inspire it. Home matches against Margate, Gosport Borough and Whitehawk - all below them in the standings - remain while Bath City and Hemel Hempstead Town also have to make the trip.

Although higher in the standings, both are safely ensconced in mid-table and Adam Flanagan’s men will fancy their chances.

As for Canvey, the next two weeks could define their season.

Folkestone Invicta are sandwiched between a double-header against Burgess Hill Town and anything less than six points from these games cannot be seen as a success.

Two points from safety in the Ryman Premier League and having played more games than those around them, the Gulls might need some help from elsewhere.

But first they have to help themselves - starting tonight.