DANNY Cowley believes this could be a “special season” for Concord Rangers after they crushed Conference Premier leaders Barnet 6-2 in the FA Trophy.

Following Saturday’s 0-0 draw at the Aspect Arena, the Beach Boys travelled to the Hive Stadium aiming to make the second round of the competition for the first time ever.

And they produced a barnstorming performance, with a Steve Cawley brace, thunderbolts from Sam Collins and Mitchell Pinnock and further strikes from Lewis Taaffe and Tony Stokes enough to knock out strong favourites Barnet.

And Cowley says it was another superb performance in the recent history of the Beach Boys.

“It was a great result and a memorable night for anyone associated with the club,” he said. “We were 8/1 with the bookies ahead of the game and it seems like they, and Barnet, underestimated us.

“Martin Allen (Barnet’s manager) was complimentary of our style and work ethic after Saturday’s game but, on their own pitch, he would of course have been confident of progression.

“But we have some very good footballers and we have togetherness, quality and determination and that counts for a lot.

“This has the makings of a special season for Concord Rangers.”

Concord were beaten 3-0 by the Bees 14 months ago in the FA Cup but turned that result on its head on Tuesday, and Cowley, who has led his side on impressive cup runs in the FA Cup (losing to Mansfield Town in the First Round) and Essex Senior Cup (they play Dagenham & Redbridge in the quarter-finals next month), says his side fully deserved their win.

“We have come a long way in the past 12 months,” he said. “We were beaten 3-0 there last season and I remember looking up at the scoreboard on Tuesday and thinking about how long a year is in football.

“I know Barnet changed their system around but you can only beat what is put in front of you. They still started with seven professional players but we were more than a match for them.

“We overcame some poor refereeing decisions in both matches. Danny Glozier didn’t deserve to be red carded on Saturday and they were given two soft penalties in the replay.

“The team was excellent but Alex Woodyard was my pick. He links defence and attack so well and brings energy and robustness to the midfield.”

Cowley said the challenge now was taking their cup form into their league matches, as they have games in hand on all their competitors.

“We now have to focus on the league as when you compete in cup competitions it is only natural you fall behind in the league.

“But I have every faith we will go on and pick up points in the upcoming games.”