ADAM Flanagan admits Concord Rangers were unable to deal with East Thurrock United’s aerial threat after watching his team slump to a 4-1 defeat in the National League South.

Rocks were emphatic winners at the Aspect Arena to leave the Beach Boys looking over their shoulders, with five points the gap to the relegation places.

Concord chairman Antony Smith described the performance as ‘one of the poorest I’ve ever seen’, and Flanagan has now challenged his players to react to the loss.

“East Thurrock have very good players who have been at this level for a long time,” he said. “They offered a big aerial threat from set pieces and we couldn’t stand up to that. We conceded cheap corners and all night we looked shaky from those positions.

“We knew we would have to deal with that. I trusted the players and believed they could learn from it and deal with it. They couldn’t this time but I hope they are better for the experience.

“We were poor at the back and it’s the first time the young lads have been a bit disappointing but they have been really good this year.

“Sam Higgins is very good at what he does and that’s why he commands the big wages he gets and he gave them a bit of a lesson. But I hope they can learn from it.

“We went into the game light in central midfield and I put two forwards in there. We wanted to break with pace but it was harder once we fell behind.

“At half-time, I asked for the players to showcase what they are about and what the club is about. But we let two quick goals in and then the game was over.

“We have a few injuries but they will be back shortly and we cannot afford to lose them again so if they need more time we will have to give it to them.”