Hampton & Richmond Borough 1-0 Concord Rangers

(Collier 28’)

From the Beveree Stadium

National League South

CONCORD Rangers couldn’t prevent Hampton & Richmond Borough securing a play-off finish as they went down 1-0 in their final match of a difficult season.

The Beach Boys secured their league status a fortnight ago but manager Adam Flanagan remained unhappy with large portions of their campaign.

He wanted a big finish at Hampton, who knew victory would assure them of a top five spot after the FA ruled Hungerford Town, Poole Town and Wealdstone would not be eligible to compete after failing to meet ground regulations.

Hampton created the first opportunity, with Duncan Culley’s header flashing past the post.

Concord had handed a start to goalkeeper Ollie Bowles and it was an assured display from the custodian.

Nathan Collier was frustrated against the stopper until he opened the scoring just before the half hour.

A cross from Tom Jelley was met by the ducking Collier and he guided the ball beyond Bowles.

Home goalkeeper Sam Howes was forced into a save and while Concord huffed and puffed they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.

One of the clearest chances they forced after the break was a strike from loanee Dion Sembie-Ferris, but his spell from Colchester United wasn’t to end with a goal as his strike hit the side-netting.

Lyle Della-Verde was denied a run on goal by a superb last-ditch challenge, and there was a moment to remember for under-18s captain Sam Carter as he was brought on for his first-team debut.

A flurry of corners followed for Concord but it wasn’t to be as the game ended in defeat.

Concord Rangers: Bowles, Girdlestone, Collins, Nasha, Laucys, Topley, Sembie-Ferris, White, Miles (Carter 90’), Cawley, Della-Verde (Dopson 90’)