CHRIS Haigh believes Concord Rangers’ new-look side deserve a lot of credit for the start they have made to the new season.

Following an overhaul in the summer, which also saw Danny Scopes come in as manager, many outsiders were tipping the Beach Boys to suffer relegation from the National League South this term.

But Concord have claimed 10 points from the first 15 on offer and Haigh, who joined from Isthmian North outfit Heybridge Swifts in the summer, believes his new club will continue to improve as the season progresses.

The goalkeeper said: “Everybody was writing us off at the start of the season.

“Being in amongst it competing with everyone else is an achievement in itself.

“We’ve only known each other since the start of pre-season, so we will only get stronger.

“It’s been a good start and I’m loving it.

“It’s everything I could have asked for after moving up to the National League South.

“Personally, I feel really comfortable at this level and hopefully we can keep getting results.”

Concord started the campaign with three consecutive victories, but have since suffered a narrow defeat to Tonbridge Angels and a 2-2 draw with Dulwich Hamlet.

Goals from Billy Roast and Joel Nouble resulted in the Beach Boys being in control of their latest encounter at Dulwich.

But a Danny Mills brace ensured Concord would be pegged back and made to settle for a point at Champion Hill.

And, although player-assistant manager Lee Minshull is satisfied with the start the Beach Boys have made to the campaign, he admits the last two outings have left a sour taste in his mouth.

“You look at the first block of games at the start of the season and how many points you could take,” said Minshull.

“At the start of the season, you would say you’re pleased with 10 points from the first 15 on offer.

“But the nature of the last two games have left us with a little bit of disappointment.

“However, we won’t be downbeat and we have a week to work with the lads.

“We haven’t had many training sessions with them, so there are still some things that we need to implement and that we want them to do.

“Having two training sessions this week will be helpful with two games coming thick and fast this weekend against two decent sides.”