TYRONE Sterling’s early header allowed Concord Rangers to seal an impressive 1-0 win over fellow high-flyers Welling United.

The Beach Boys made the trip to Park View Road one place below their hosts, but Sammy Moore’s side have moved up to third in the National League South standings after claiming all three points.

And Sterling was overjoyed after guiding Concord to a valuable win on the road.

"It's been a long time since I've scored and that was a sweet one," said the central defender.

"To win 1-0 and be in amongst it feels really great.

"I think it's our 10th clean sheet out of 23 games and there is a real bond between us in the backline now.

"We're willing to dig deep, get ugly and muck in when we need to.

"But credit has to also go to the boys around us because we can't do it on our own."

The Beach Boys got off to a flying start, with what turned out to be the only goal of the encounter coming inside the first minute.

Welling goalkeeper Daniel Wilks kept out a goalbound free-kick, but Sterling was on hand to head home the rebound.

Wilks was called into action on a number of occasions early on as the visitors looked to take the game to Welling, who won the reverse fixture 5-0 at the Aspect Arena in August.

Danny Green's set piece deliveries caused the Wings numerous problems, while Beach Boys custodian Sam Beasant pushed away a Nassim L'Ghoul free-kick.

Concord also started the second half brightly, with Gillingham loanee Liam Nash clattering the crossbar having burst clear six minutes after the interval.

L'Ghoul then dragged a shot wide before seeing a deflected effort hit the woodwork as the home side looked to draw level.

The 21-year-old Frenchman fashioned more opportunities for himself, but he found Beasant in top form as the Beach Boys goalkeeper clawed away a goalbound free-kick.

Brendan Kiernan passed up a golden opportunity three minutes from time as the midfielder headed straight at Beasant when well placed.

Welling continued to push for a point, but Concord defended well and were able to record back-to-back wins having seen off East Thurrock United last time out.

And the Beach Boys were able to end a year of change in style.

Concord Rangers: Beasant, Popo, Shaw, Essam, Minshull, Sterling, Green, Blackman, Midson, Nash, Abdulla