DANNY Scopes hailed his Concord Rangers side after overcoming numerous familiar faces in an eye-catching 3-1 win over Hemel Hempstead Town.

Hemel, who went into the fixture sitting second in the National League South standings, made the trip to the Aspect Arena with ex-Beach Boys player-manager Sammy Moore in charge and six former Concord stars in their starting line-up.

Although Tosan Popo - who was one of numerous players to follow Moore from Concord to Hemel in the summer - got on the scoresheet for the visitors, goals from Aron Pollock, Decarrey Sheriff and Joel Nouble ensured the Beach Boys claimed all three points.

Scopes, who succeeded Moore in the summer, said: “I think that was our best win of the season.

“A lot of the Hemel players did very well for Concord last season and it’s important to remember that.

“But the way it ended last term was a bit disappointing for all parties.

“The club felt a bit hurt by that and the players jumping ship with the former management team was difficult as well.

“We needed a result after suffering six consecutive defeats and it didn’t matter who it came against.

“The credit has to go to the group of players because it would have been easy for them to lose heart after the recent run of form.

“We have shown good character and this journey was never going to be easy on our budget with a new squad and management team.”

Pollock and Sheriff found the back of the net to give the Beach Boys a two-goal advantage inside the opening eight minutes.

Although Hemel halved the deficit through Popo, Nouble sealed all three points late on.

And Scopes felt Concord were fully deserving of emerging triumphant.

“I was pleased because it was a really good performance from start to finish,” added Scopes.

“We managed to create some good chances and, in all honesty, we were a bit disappointed that we only scored two goals in the first half because we felt we should have added one or two more goals.

“When you have lost each of the last six games, you know that you are going to be put under pressure and it’s a case of whether the players will step up to the challenge.

“Although Hemel scored, we defended well overall, looked dangerous on the counter-attack and got a third goal.

“It was great to end the poor run and claim the three points.”