CONCORD Rangers ended their decade long stay in the Vanarama National League South with a defeat as the Beach Boys fell to a 2-1 loss at Eastbourne Borough.

It was a quiet first half in East Sussex during which Concord didn't cause many problems for home goalkeeper Lee Worgan, whilst up the other end Mitchell Beeney had to make numerous saves to keep the scores level; denying Greg Luer twice and Leone Gravata.

This would see the two sides go in at the break goalless however they wouldn't remain level for long as two minutes after the restart the hosts broke the deadlock.

A Morgan Williams corner made its way to the far post where Luer was on hand to scramble home from close range for his second goal against Concord this season.

Within two minutes of this Danny Bloor's side gave themselves some breathing space as the Sports doubled their lead through Charlie Walker.

Eastbourne broke on the counter attack and a deep cross from Williams picked out Walker who cut inside and bent an effort into the far corner for his ninth goal of the campaign.

The goal also means that Walker has scored in back to back seasons against Concord at Priory Lane.

The Sports wouldn't remain 2-0 up for long as nine minutes later Rob Small's men halved the deficit through a trademark Nana Kyei goal.

The 25-year-old received the ball on the left hand side before cutting inside and curling home a brilliant strike into the far corner for his fourth goal of the campaign to give Rangers a lifeline.

However with 73 minutes on the clock the hosts had a golden opportunity to re-establish their two goal cushion from the penalty spot.

Gravata steamed into the penalty area and was tripped by Jack Thomas and the referee pointed to the spot.

The man who won the penalty took it but Gravata failed to score his ninth goal of the campaign as Beeney got down to his left to beat away the 21-year-old's spot kick.

Three minutes after this Concord then went within a whisker of netting an equaliser.

A long kick forward from Beeney released Hayes & Yeading loanee Mo Bettamer in behind and the Libyan's deflected half volley beat Worgan but came crashing back off the upright.

As the game ticked into injury time it was Eastbourne who went closest to finding a goal.

A long ball over the top from Williams picked out substitute Chris Whelpdale but Beeney got out quickly to narrow the angle and keep out the experienced midfielder's attempt and keep the score at 2-1.

Defeat for the Beach Boys means they finish the campaign winless in seven away games.

Cheshunt's loss at Tonbridge Angels means Concord remain in the same position in the table with Rangers finishing 22nd in the table.

A fourth home win on the bounce for Eastbourne lifts them up to eighth as they finish the season three points and one position outside the playoffs.

Concord Rangers now have three months of preparation ahead of the 2023/24 campaign in which they will compete in the Isthmian Premier Division alongside the likes of Canvey Island, Billericay Town and Dulwich Hamlet.