Brentwood Town take a break from league action this weekend as they travel to Isthmian League North side Concord Rangers in the Emirates FA Cup.
Match Details
Fixture: Concord Rangers vs Brentwood Town
Competition: Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round
Date: Saturday 5th September
Venue: Thames Road
Kick-Off: 3:00pm
Match Preview
It’s the start of the FA Cup journey for the Blues this weekend, with Concord Rangers standing in their way.
It’s a competition that can create some unforgettable moments, and Keith Rowland’s side will be hoping their journey can take them all the way to the First Round Proper.
The Blues
A break from league football could be welcomed by Brentwood, who haven’t made the start they would have liked in the Isthmian Premier Division, winning just one of their matches in August.
Their most recent outing saw the Blues suffer defeat on the road, losing 2-0 away at Carshalton Athletic, who currently sit second in the Isthmian Premier table after a near-perfect start.
Nathan Young-Coombes scored once in each half to secure the points, while Max Hudson was shown a red card in the second-half.
The FA Cup now provides an opportunity to change the focus and, hopefully, start building some confidence.
While it hasn’t been the blistering start the Blues would have hoped for, there is an awful lot of football still to be played, and this weekend provides a chance to get back to winning ways.
The Beach Boys
Concord Rangers, meanwhile, have started their Isthmian North campaign strongly, sitting fourth in the table after three matches.
The Beach Boys remain unbeaten with seven points, and all three teams above them have played an extra game.
Their latest league outing saw them take the lead twice against Grays Athletic, only for the visitors to find an equaliser on both occasions, with the game finishing 2-2. That followed victories over AFC Sudbury and Newmarket Town.
Concord have already come through two rounds of the FA Cup, beating Bedfont Sports in the Extra Preliminary Round before progressing past Clapton Community in the Preliminary Round.
They may be a division below the Blues, but their unbeaten start and FA Cup experience means Brentwood will have to be at their best to progress.
Final Word
The FA Cup journey begins this weekend, with the Blues aiming to take another step towards the First Round Proper.
Concord will provide a stern test, particularly after their strong start to the season, but Brentwood will be hoping their quality can shine through and secure a place in the next round.
Admission
Tickets can be purchased at the turnstiles on the day.
Adult £10 | Concession £5 | Ages 11-16 £2
Travel & Parking
By Car
A12 → A130 towards Canvey Island → Canvey Road → Long Road → Thorney Bay Road → Thames Road.
Take the A130 towards Canvey Island. After around four miles from the A13/A130 junction, you will pass Canvey Island Infant School on your right.
Continue to the mini roundabout and turn right into Thorney Bay Road, then take the third right into Thames Road. The ground is further down on the left.
A club car park is available, although spaces are limited. Street parking is also available on the road alongside the ground.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Benfleet, located just under three miles from the ground.
Benfleet is served by trains from London Fenchurch Street, with a taxi rank available outside the station.
Alternatively, First Bus services 21 and 27 run from Benfleet towards Canvey Island, with both services travelling along Thorney Bay Road, at the top of Thames Road.
Check the First Bus website for the latest timetables and fares.
Weather Watch
Sunny conditions and a gentle breeze are expected, with temperatures reaching around 23°C.
Get Behind the Blues
It’s another huge match for Brentwood Town as the Blues begin their Emirates FA Cup journey.
Let’s get behind the team, make plenty of noise and help the Blues progress to the next round!
COME ON YOU BLUES!
