By LEWIS PACK

CONCORD RANGERS SUPPORTER

The moment we all have been waiting for! Saturday morning before the start of a new season and for us at Concord Rangers it was the beginning of a new era and I for one couldn’t wait to see it start.

I had a busy morning which helped pass the time before my little brother and I set off to see what all would unfold. In the ground we met with all the regular fans and it seemed an increase in fans from our increased social media attention which is good, Burger eaten, teamsheet in my pocket, the talking was over and the game against Gloucester City began.

We played some good football in the first half and really should have led by more at half-time before the flashpoint of the red card. The fans were worried that would disrupt our flow but we needn’t have worried, Sammy (Moore) set us up in such a professional manner to see the game out you really wouldn’t have realised we had 10 men.

A promising sign was how busy the bar was after the game, the buzz around and the interaction between the players and management. An enjoyable first game.

A quick turnaround brings us to Billericay away and this game has definitely set the pulses racing locally.

After Saturday’s performance this would be a good gauge of where we will be this season, playing one of the favourites.

Since Glenn Tamplin took over I hadn’t seen Billericay play or been to New Lodge so I was intrigued to see whether the hype surrounding the club was warranted. You could see what a difference he has made. The stadium is a very good venue with the only downside the price of the food, very poor!

They had the lion’s share of the play but really didn’t threaten with Concord standing firm and looking to counter and play at any opportunity. I said to our fans that the longer the game dragged at 0-0 I felt it was more likely something would go in our favour. Low and behold star of Saturday Alex Wall smashed in his free-kick to send the away fans crazy. I haven’t seen us celebrate a goal like that for a long time!

Billericay did find the equaliser and I must admit it was a fair result against a side who definitely will be up there.

The first two performances have given us belief that we can go and repeat the glory of the Cowley era and tonight’s result will hopefully be a springboard.

A hard-fought enjoyable evening.