CONCORD Rangers sealed their National League South play-off place - barring a major goal-swing - by recording a 2-1 victory over St Albans City.

First half goals from Sam Ashford and Alex Wall put the Beach Boys on course for all three points at the Aspect Arena.

Although James Kaloczi gave the Saints hope of staging a comeback, Sammy Moore’s side held on for victory and the player-manager was full of joy after the final whistle.

Moore, who replaced Adam Flanagan in the hotseat last summer, said: “My players have been outstanding all season and it’s an absolute pleasure to be their manager.

“They fight until the end and although we didn’t play particularly well, it doesn’t matter how you win at this stage of the season.

“My boys dug in really deep and what an achievement it is to get this club into the play-offs after three years of fighting against relegation.

“The buzz is back and I always knew I would come here and deliver.

“I knew I would get Concord into the play-offs. That was our target and I knew I had a bunch of winners and leaders in the dressing room.

“The play-off place is thoroughly deserved and we have had setbacks along the way.

“We’ve had three points taken off of us, we’ve had to travel to Truro City twice and to get a play-off place is absolutely remarkable.

“I’m such a proud manager and the celebrations at the end of the game and in the dressing room shows what it means to everyone.”

Ashford broke the deadlock with just 13 minutes on the clock after St Albans failed to clear a Jack Midson cross, while Ashford’s pull-back allowed Wall to double the Beach Boys’ lead five minutes later.

The visitors halved the deficit four minutes before the break as Kaloczi nodded home.

Although Wall saw a close range effort ruled out for offside, Concord had done enough to seal all three points.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations on the pitch and in the dressing room and Moore was eager to praise his backroom staff.

Moore added: “I missed out on a play-off place by goal difference at Leatherhead last season.

“I’m ambitious and wanted to test myself up higher.

“I always knew that with some of the knowledge I have gained by playing for some of the best managers that I would be successful.

“I’ve got the desire and am young, so I wanted to take this football club to the next level.

“We have certainly done that but, saying that, you’re only as good as your backroom staff.

“My backroom staff have been absolutely fantastic.

“They go the extra mile for games and training.

“The players have also gone the extra mile for me week in, week out. They give me 100 per cent every week.”