LEE Minshull has backed Decarrey Sheriff to enjoy a productive campaign after the striker ensured Concord Rangers claimed local bragging rights over Chelmsford City.

The former Colchester United youngster, who moved to the Aspect Arena in the summer, bagged a brace of goals as the Beach Boys recorded a 2-1 win over the Clarets.

And player-assistant manager Minshull has been impressed by Sheriff in his first two appearances for Concord.

Minshull said: “Decarrey worked really hard in our season opener against Oxford City and did a lot without the ball.

“The chances fell to others on that occasion, so it was great for him to get both of our goals against Chelmsford.

“He works his socks off and is willing to listen.

“There was good movement for both of the goals and he scored one with his left foot and the other with his right, so he is comfortable on either side.

“It’s pleasing that he is off the mark and, as a team, we have scored five goals in two games.

“Hopefully we can continue that kind of form.”

Joel Nouble, the brother of former Southend United striker Frank, caused the Chelmsford defence all sorts of problems and showed Concord fans why he was brought to the club from Haringey Borough during the close season.

But Minshull believes Nouble, who scored in the 3-0 victory over Oxford City on the opening day of the National League South campaign, can only produce the goods when his team-mates are firing on all cylinders.

“Joel is obviously a great talent,” added Minshull.

“We really wanted him in the summer and we told him that.

“We also told him what we thought we could do for him as a player but we’ve still got to give him the ball if he is to perform to the best of his ability.

“As good as he is in those situations, it’s important that the lads are doing all they can to give him the ball.

“If we can be as organised and work as hard as we did against Chelmsford then hopefully the attacking players, like Joel and Decarrey, will take their chances.”

Concord are the current National League South table-toppers after coming out on top in their opening two fixtures of the campaign.

Although Minshull was pleased to enjoy a derby victory, the 33-year-old insists the Beach Boys cannot afford to be complacent.

“Chelmsford are a big club in this league and normally get in the play-offs at the very least, so it’s great for us to beat them,” admitted Minshull.

“We played well in the first half but they undoubtedly put pressure on us in the second half.

“We could have made it easier for ourselves at the end so there are things to work on, but we have only been with these boys for five or six weeks so we are hoping we will get better and it’s pleasing to get the points on the board.

“It’s a good start but that’s all it is. There is a big chunk of the season in August, so we need to keep our feet on the ground.

“You can’t get too excited if you do well or downbeat if you’re not because the games are coming thick and fast.”