ST ALBANS CITY
STADIUM
Less than 5 minutes from St Albans train station, David Noble’s side play at Clarence Park, with a capacity of 5,007. It has been the sides home for over 100 years. Reportedly, the first competitive game was played on Clarence Park in November 1886 against Watford Rovers.
LAST SEASON’S MEETINGS
Chelmsford City 1-1 St Albans City (6th August 2022) – As the season opening, both sides were cautious in going straight at it, as there was a goalless first half. However, the Saints were first to hit the back of the net, as Kyran Wiltshire scored just after the hour mark to give the visitors the lead. However, the points were shared as Devonte Aransibia netted on his Clarets debut, with 15 minutes to play. It was a point each in the opening day.
St Albans City 3-0 Chelmsford City (10th December 2022) – After snow and freezing, the game was somehow played, and the Clarets do not have fond memories. Firstly, midfielder Louis Dunne sustained a horrifying injury, which will see him miss the start of the upcoming season. Secondly, former player Shaun Jeffers netted a hat trick, to easily keep the points at Clarence Park.
Chelmsford City 0-1 St Albans City (2nd May 2023) – After an enthralling season, the 2 sides met again in the playoff eliminator. After 90 minutes, it was level seeing extra time played. However, to the disappointment of the Clarets, it was once again Shaun Jeffers as the difference maker, as he sent them through.
A FEW CLUB LINKS
Previously mentioned, Shaun Jeffers has played for both clubs. He had 2 spells with the Clarets, scoring 34 goals in 71 total league games. For St Albans, he has netted 63 goals in 97 games, over a 3-season period. A player who played with Shaun at both clubs is Chez Isaac. The 30-year-old amassed over 100 appearances in Claret, as he was a frequent face in midfield. In the summer of 2022, he joined St Albans making 16 league appearances before December. He then departed, playing for Enfield Town before the end of the season.
THE MANAGER
With a wealth of footballing experience, David Noble is in charge of the Saints. A former teammate of Robbie Simpson, Noble played at every level in the football league, before spending 6 years as a player at St Albans. When Ian Allinson was sacked in September 2022, Noble took interim charge and impressed, seeing him given the job permanently in November.
2022-23 SEASON
Being involved in the intense playoff hunt, the Saints ended up a place behind the Clarets, in 6th. Shaun Jeffers was the difference before a penalty triumph over Dartford matches them again Oxford City for the final. However, after being 4-0 down at half time, they were out of it, with the score remaining the same.
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