CONCORD Rangers manager Adam Flanagan says excitement is his overriding sensation ahead of tomorrow’s derby at in-form Chelmsford City.

Although much improved in recent weeks, the Beach Boys face a team playing at the top of their game.

Essex Senior Cup finalists Chelmsford have lost just twice in the last 20 matches and have only lost once at home in the league all season.

And Flanagan believes the Clarets are matching expectations this season.

“It’s an Essex derby so I am feeling excited and looking forward to everything that goes with such a game,” he said.

“It is always a big challenge playing Chelmsford but probably more so this season as I feel they are meeting expectations in the league.

"All of the pressure will be on them as they are 20 points above us and will want to maintain their play-off push.”

Concord are now eight points above the drop zone after a run that has seen them win three of their last four matches.

And Flanagan has urged his team to show what they are made off - having drawn the reverse fixture 2-2.

“We need to make sure that we give a good account of ourselves and I am confident the players will do that,” he said.

“For me it is important, considering our current league position, we put a good performance in every game. Our performances of late have improved and we will need to be at our very best this weekend.

“The game has equal importance for both teams as we want to continue pushing ourselves away from the bottom and Chelmsford want to remain in the play-off chase so this, added to it being a derby, should make it a very exciting fixture for the fans.

“Recent results have hopefully proved to the team that we are better than what we have shown this season and helped improve confidence as individuals and as a collective.

“But we are still in a relegation fight and the pressure won’t come off until our league status has been secured.”