For the neutral, it wasn't a classic but Ashby's strike ten minutes from time gave the 700+ spectators at Clarence Park something to write home about.

Ross Jenkins opted to name an unchanged starting eleven from the side that lost on the opening day against Eastbourne. Alex Grantham replaced Lewis Miccio on the bench as the only change. 

The first-half wasn’t the high octane entertainment we’ve been used to in recent games, as the sweltering heat seemed to take its toll on both players. 

Shaun Jeffers headed over the bar for the hosts after fifteen minutes as St Albans controlled the early proceedings of the game. 

However, City grew into the game with Klaidi Lolos and Joe Iaciofano causing problems running in behind the Saints' backline. The Hoops' defence was proving to be equally impressive with the trio of Andre Burley, Canice Carroll and Charlie Rowan winning every header in the air and winning back the ball in 50/50 scenarios.

Josh Ashby had the best chance of the half for the Hoops just before the half hour mark but his long-range effort was straight at goalkeeper Michael Johnson. 

Half-time: St Albans 0-0 Oxford City

After the interval, the game seemed to liven up. Lolos’ impressive dribbling just outside the penalty area caused the Saints problems and allowed space for the forward to shoot. However, he couldn’t quite direct his shot on target as it drifted wide. 

Joe Neal thought he’d try his luck from range just before the hour mark but the impressive Dudzinski was behind the powerful strike as both sides continued to try their luck.

Jenkins’ side started to find their groove and when seventeen year old Gerald Muchchetere was introduced to the contest he almost made an instant impact. McEachran placed a perfectly weighted ball into the path of the youngster but Michael Johnson managed to get a key touch on the shot to deflect the effort behind. A super save after what looked to be a certain goal. 

The impressive McEachran was pulling the strings in midfield and he almost made the breakthrough himself. Another run through the midfield allowed City's number 10 the space to shoot but he dragged his shot inches wide of the target with Johnson stranded. 

Finally, the deadlock was broken ten minutes from time. Reece Fleet’s superb switch found Lewis Coyle on the left wing who picked out Muchchetere. The youngster then layed the ball into the path of Josh Ashby who fired a thunderbolt into the corner of the net, leaving Johnson with no chance.  1-0.

From then on, the Hoops prepared for the onslaught from the hosts which inevitably came in the last ten minutes. However, City continued to defend brilliantly, even clearing an effort off the line from Kyran Wiltshire in extra-time.

A nervy last few minutes consisted of what you'd expect, long balls launched into the box but City kept their composure seeing out the game in a professional manner.

The Hoops held on and secured their first three points of the season against a strong St Albans side. An impressive victory in Hertfordshire, which lifts City to thirteenth.

The fixture list doesn't let up for City, they travel to Chippenham on Tuesday looking for another three points.

Oxford City starting XI: Dudzinski, Ashby, Burley, Rowan, Coyle, Fleet ©, Iaciofano (Muchchetere 63’), McEachran (Fischer 86’), Lolos, Williams-Bushell, Carroll

Subs not used: Grantham, Harrison, Humphrey-Ewers