IF Basingstoke Town are to mount a serious challenge for honours this season, they will need to win matches like Saturday’s trip to Concord Rangers.

The Dragons have done well against sides near the top of the Vanarama Conference South. However, two of their three defeats so far have come against sides who are more likely to be battling against relegation than pushing for promotion come the end of the season.

Next up for Town is a tough-looking trip to a strong and physical Concord Rangers side who have proved hard to beat so far this season.

It’s the sort of fixture that really tests the mettle of teams battling near the top of the table – and Bristow admits his side will need to be on top of their game.

“We have played nearly all of the teams at the top and only lost once, but it is easy to get up for games against big sides,” he said. “So far, we have approached most games very well, but we need to make sure we approach every game in the right way.

“It’s going to be very tough on Saturday. Concord have adapted really well to this league and have had some good results.

“They have got a bit of variety to their game but they like to get the ball out wide and put crosses into the box. If we are able to deal with that, we know that we can cause them problems going the other way.”

Town face a side expected to be involved at the sharp end of the table next Tuesday, when big-spending Whitehawk visit The Soccer AM Stadium.

Former Basingstoke favourite Sergio Torres was one of the Brighton club’s big-name recruits over the summer and while the team has taken a while to gel, Bristow is expecting a difficult evening.

“Whitehawk have had mixed results but they have a squad capable of doing very well,” he said.

The draw for the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup was made on Monday, with Basingstoke handed a difficult trip to fellow Conference South outfit Ebbsfleet United.

Bristow said: “There were a lot of easier draws out there, but it’s one of the ties of the round and there should be a good atmosphere. It’s the sort of game players want to play in and one we will be looking forward to.”

Town have allowed striker Julian Owusu to join Southern League outfit Beaconsfield SYCOB on duel registration.