CONCORD Rangers showed their class as they defeated Great Wakering Rovers 6-2 in their final pre-season outing, reports Leon Imber.

Temi Babalola stood out scoring two in the eight-goal thriller, and Danny Scopes has to be happy with his team’s preparations ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup qualifying tie against Potters Bar Town.

In the Isthmian Premier Division, Billy Knott was once again on target to help Rob Small and the rest of his team to a 2-1 victory.

Knott has been nominated for Isthmian Premier player of the month, and it is clear to see why with his flying start to this campaign.

James Thomas was also on the scoresheet helping them to secure the three points after a late scare from Brightlingsea Regent.

Bowers now sit top of the pile in the league after three games and will be hoping their strong start can transpire into a very successful campaign.

Elsewhere, viewers of the East Thurrock United match against Carshalton Athletic will insist that there were plenty of positives for Paul Martin’s side as they fell just a little short against their more experienced counterparts.

‘Rocks’ put in a good display against Carshalton and on another day the result could’ve been very different, despite sitting pointless at the bottom of the table, there were certainly encouraging signs against a strong promotion-tipped side.

In the Isthmian North Division, Basildon United made the short journey to Romford, where they were defeated by one goal to nil.

Bagasan Graham was on target for Glenn Tamplin’s men as they kept up their impressive defensive record conceding just one goal in the three games played so far this season.

Basildon have suffered a difficult start to the 2020/21 season with two defeats on the bounce.

In the Essex Senior League, Hashtag United faced yet another midweek fixture in their busy schedule.

The jam-packed calendar was evident as the Tags suffered their first defeat since December of last year, falling to a 2-1 loss against Walthamstow.

Jesse Waller Lassen fired Jay Devereux’s side ahead but they could not keep out two second half sucker punches by the North London side, with both efforts coming from set-pieces.

The taste of defeat is a sour one for both Devereux and owner Spencer Owen, but they will not be too disheartened as they have shown their worth in previous FA Cup and league fixtures.

Southend Manor also took to the pitch as they saw off Sporting Bengal 2-0.

Jordan Thomas scored his first goal of the season after Billy Harrison scored a screamer to initially put his side ahead.

The story of the night however, involved Barry Findleton who made his debut for Manor and lost half of his tooth in the process, highlighting what a committed performance his team had put in.

The two previous defeats look less of a concern for Southend Manor now, and they will look to build on tonight’s victory.