CONCORD Rangers have equalled their best ever FA Trophy run after a sensational comeback allowed the Beach Boys to record a 3-2 first round win at Maidstone United.

Zihni Temelci and Matt McClure scored twice in the space of six first half minutes to put the hosts in the driving seat before Huddersfield Town loanee Kit Elliott halved Concord’s deficit.

Substitutes Lamar Reynolds and Danny Green scored in the final eight minutes of the clash to ensure the Beach Boys will be in the second round draw, much to the delight of boss Danny Scopes.

“We have equalled the club’s best ever run in the competition and that is fantastic,” said Scopes.

“It brings more prize money into the club and that is very pleasing because we are making improvements to the infrastructure.

“I thought it was a well-deserved win but we like to make things a little bit harder for ourselves!

“We didn’t play with much control or discipline in the early stages but their two goals seemed to relax us a bit.

“I thought we should have been drawing 2-2 at half-time because Billy Roast hit the crossbar and I’m adamant it went over the goal-line.

“The players could have buckled after going 2-0 down but we showed a lot of resilience and character.”

Temelci put Maidstone ahead before McClure tapped home from close range.

Concord responded with Roast’s ferocious drive crashing against the underside of the crossbar.

Elliott got the Beach Boys back into the contest 11 minutes before the interval as the striker reacted quickest after Kreshnic Krasniqi had been denied.

Concord created a host of chances after the break but had to wait until the 82nd minute to draw level through Reynolds.

And Green ensured the Beach Boys would reach the second round of the competition by firing a free-kick into the back of the net four minutes later.

The experienced Green earned praise from Scopes.

“Danny deserves a lot of credit because he missed a bit of football at the start of the year and it has taken time for him to get up to speed,” added the Concord chief.

“He hasn’t got as many minutes as he would have liked but he has not complained.

“When you make substitutions, you want them to make an impact and they did that.

“Danny got the goal which won the game and I am pleased for him because he is such a good lad.

“Lamar also got the leveller after coming on, which was vital.”