Ryan Walmsley reports on squad additions…
Concord Rangers have signed two players as they look to make a late surge for the Conference South play-offs.
Combative midfielder Jay Dowie has joined after he left Conference North side Boston United earlier in the season whilst striker Harry Elmes links up with the Beachboys following his departure from Ryman League Division One North outfit Waltham Abbey.
Dowie extended his stay at York Street for two years in the summer of 2013 but a succession of injuries have led to the eventual release of the 23-year-old. The midfielder’s progress has stuttered despite being described as a “vital cog” to Boston’s team by Pilgrims boss Dennis Greene.
Elmes suffered a horrific double leg break two years ago playing for the Beachboys whilst he was being scouted by several Football League clubs. The striker has only recently started playing football again and has spent the past few months turning out for the Abbotts in order to regain match fitness.
Last night the Beachboys pulled off an impressive 2-1 victory at the Aspect Arena over Essex rivals and fellow promotion hopefuls Chelmsford City to move them into the top half of the Conference South.
Concord currently sit tenth and are only seven points off the final play-off position with two games in hand. The addition of Dowie and Elmes, both established players at this level, may prove to be the difference in the Beachboys’ late season promotion push.