DARREN Beale was pleased to see Sam Blackman rewarded as Concord Rangers extended their fine run of form with a 4-0 triumph over Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Blackman opened the floodgates by scoring his first goal since joining from Isthmian Premier League side Leatherhead in the summer.

And Beale, the Beach Boys’ first team coach, believes the central midfielder is an unsung hero.

“Sam is one of those box-to-box players and has had his chances to score throughout the season, but they had not gone in until now,” said Beale.

“He found the target against Hampton and I was really pleased for him because he does a lot of the dirty work and the goal is a small reward for all of the hard work he has put in.

“Sam has been up there as one of our most consistent performers so far this season and he is one of those players that probably doesn’t get the amount of credit he deserves.”

The home victory allowed Concord to move up to fourth place and within three points of the National League South summit.

Alex Wall headed wide as the Beach Boys made a lively start at the Aspect Arena, but the hosts did not have to wait long to break the deadlock as Blackman curled home.

Liam Nash, who has extended his loan spell from League One side Gillingham thanks to his scintillating form, doubled Concord’s advantage from the penalty spot soon after.

Hampton looked to get back into the game and struck the post before Tosan Popo cleared off the line.

But the three points were all but secured before half-time as Midson, who was restored to the starting line-up after being named on the bench in the win over Hemel Hempstead Town last weekend, fired home.

Connor Essam and Wall went close to getting their names on the scoresheet after the interval.

Danny Green also saw an effort go wide of the target before Nash completed the scoring and his brace in the dying moments.

And Beale believes the win shows the Beach Boys are continuing to move in the right direction.

“The win was really pleasing and it’s another step in the right direction,” added the first team coach, who moved with player-manager Sammy Moore and player-assistant manager Midson from Leatherhead in the summer.

“It continued our good form at home and it was a good performance all round.

“Now we need to build on the win at Bath City this weekend.”