UNLIKE several Premier League managers, Concord Rangers boss Danny Scopes is embracing his side’s fixture congestion.

The Beach Boys have reached the last eight of the National Trophy and head to Dagenham & Redbridge in the semi-finals of the Essex Senior Cup this evening.

But, despite the demands on his small squad, Scopes would not have it any other way.

“The more games you play the more successful you’ve been so this is fine with me and look forward to the challenges ahead of us,” said Scopes.

“At the start of the season if someone had offered us a quarter-final place in the FA Trophy and a semi-final in the Essex Senior Cup we would have jumped at it so we’re very pleased.

“I think it’s 11 games for us in 31 days but although we have a small squad it’s a good squad and we’ll be using it.

“The schedule throws us challenges but we’ll deal with that because there’s a no excuse mentality here.”

Concord are currently 14th in the National League South standings and head into tonight’s clash off the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Bath City at the Aspect Arena.

And Scopes is keen to see a strong reaction tonight.

“Saturday was disappointing and really looking back now we probably wish it had been called off but it’s gone now and we have to react to it in the right way now,” said Scopes.

“The conditions were awful and at the start I think both teams probably would have been happy with a draw.

“But they got a bit of luck with their goal and then defended well to keep us out.

“It was frustrating because the league is important to us and we can’t lose sight of that despite the cup runs we’re enjoying.

“But it’s Dagenham up next and that’s another big game.”

Dagenham are currently 20th in the National League table and Scopes feels the home-side will be tough to beat.

“Dagenham are a strong side in a league above us so this is going to be another tough test but we are looking forward to it,” said Scopes.

“We’ve had success in the Senior Cup in the past and we would love to have some more.

“It’s a big occasion for us as a club and obviously there’s a big prize at the end of it because we can get through to a cup final.”

And Scopes will be freshening things up for the tie.

“We will be making changes and four of the subs from Saturday will play,” said Scopes.

“It’s not rotation. We don’t have that here but it’s a chance for people to impress and now it’s up to them to take it.”

Elsewhere tonight, Bowers Pitsea host Brightlingsea Regent in Isthmian Premier Division while East Thurrock host Carshalton Athletic

In Isthmian North, Great Wakering Rovers are at home to AFC Sudbury and Hullbridge Sports entertain Cambridge City.