DANNY Scopes insists securing National League South survival is Concord Rangers’ primary aim, not reaching the FA Trophy final.

The Beach Boys are among the final four sides remaining in the FA Trophy after an extra-time win over Royston Town in midweek.

But, domestically, Concord have slipped to within a point of the drop zone and Scopes is eager to climb away from danger by recording a positive result at Chelmsford City tomorrow.

“I’m disappointed we haven’t picked up more points and we have let ourselves slip into the a lower position in the table,” said boss Scopes.

“With the players we have, we should be higher in the standings.

“We need to be move up the table and pick up some points.

“Our performances have been good but we have struggled to get over the line in a few games.

“We need to us the winning mentality we have gained from the cup competitions this season to drive us on.

“Staying up is the number one target and we want to finish as high as we can.

“I know we have games in hand and that’s something we need to use to our advantage.

“We need to get points on the board sooner rather than later and I know we are capable of doing that.”

Chelmsford, who have Robbie Simpson in temporary charge following the sacking of Rod Stringer in January, are unbeaten in their last three outings.

The Clarets notched an eye-catching win over table-topping Wealdstone last time out, but Concord have already had success against tomorrow’s hosts this term.

Scopes’ Beach Boys emerged victorious in the reverse fixture and knocked ninth-placed Chelmsford out of the Essex Senior Cup.

But Scopes admits his side, as well as this weekend’s hosts, has changed since their most recent clashes.

“We are a different team now and we also have a different set-up,” added Scopes.

“After all of the changes during the summer, it was a totally new squad and we have had longer with the players now.

“Chelmsford have been in a bit of turmoil and credit has to go to them because Robbie Simpson has steadied the ship.

“They play with a little bit more freedom and play some good football.

“It’s a good challenge going up against a Chelmsford side who have changed.

“They are not the Chelmsford we came to know under Rod Stringer and they have moved up the table because of their recent results.”

Concord will be without the injured Ben Wells tomorrow.