MEET THE OPPOSITION | ST ALBANS CITY
With a spot in the Vanarama National League next season hanging in the balance, Oxford City welcome St Albans City to the RAW Charging Stadium in the Vanarama National League South Promotion Final.
Ahead of the huge play-off clash, we delve into the Hoops’ opposition heading into Sunday.
History:
St Albans City F.C. were founded in 1908 and experienced early success in the Spartan League Eastern Division and local County divisions. The Hertfordshire-based club were involved in a notable FA Cup encounter in the 1922 FA Cup in a fascinating replay against Dulwich Hamlet.
Following a 1-1 draw in the first game, the Saints went into the replay without their keeper going on to lose 8-7 with all seven St Albans goals coming from Wilfred Minter – an individual record on the losing side in an FA Cup tie.
After winning the Isthmian League three times between 1923-1928, St Albans would go on to be one of the first sides relegated from the division in 1974.
By the turn of the century, the Saints secured a spot in the newly reformed Conference South and experienced a first Conference National promotion in 2006. However, they struggled to retain their place the following year with departed director, Ian Ridley, citing the need for experience over youth which was dismissed by the board ending in relegation.
After a tough start to life under multiple managers, Saints remained in the Conference South in following seasons under the stewardship of Steve Castle but faced financial worries ahead of the 2009/10 season.
An FA sanction in February 2011 resulted in a 10-point deduction atop a £7,500 fine which ultimately contributed to Southern League relegation for St Albans. The punishment was handed down to City chairman John Gibson and vice Alasdair McMillin with a failed appeal.
The Hertfordshire side remained in the Southern League until a historic 2013-14 season which culminated in play-off final glory over Chesham United. The season included a record 16 consecutive away wins for the Saints helping their return to the Conference South.
There was also a memorable FA Cup run for the Saints in the 2021/22 season seeing off then EFL League Two Forest Green Rovers 3-2 in the first round before falling to Hertfordshire rivals Boreham Wood in the second round.
Current Form:
David Noble’s men come into the final fresh off a thrilling 5-3 victory over Dartford on penalties in the semi-finals after the initial result saw the game finish 1-1 across 90 minutes and extra-time.
The Saints had to battle through two games to book their place in VNSL play-off final first seeing off Chelmsford City in the eliminator round thanks to an extra-time winner from talisman Shaun Jeffers.
A 2-0 win over Farnborough on the final day of the regular VNLS season saw St Albans finish sixth in the league places, however, showed real determination to reach the play-off finals with strong performances following the season’s conclusion.
Meet the gaffer: David Noble
A former player, David Noble initially joined St Albans in 2017 before soon joining the club’s coaching setup. It wasn’t until November 2022 where Noble was appointed as the club’s Head Coach – an appointment which saw him take up his first managerial role.
The 41-year-old had notable paying experience making over 300 appearances in the Football League featuring for the likes of Watford, West Ham United, Boston United, Bristol City, and Exeter City amongst other clubs.
The bulk of Noble’s appearances came in his latter playing career with 123 appearances for the Saints as he prepares to lead his side out in a play-off final.
Club Captain: Shaun Jeffers
An experienced head in the Saints setup, Shaun Jeffers is a talented striker who has been the Saints’ main attacking outlet this season.
The 31-year-old initially came through the Coventry City ranks before acquiring experience with Peterborough United, Newport County and Yeovil Town in the Football League. The centre-forward enjoyed a solid season in 2016 with Chelmsford City scoring 21 in 39 games helping the Clarets reach the playoffs.
He would later feature briefly for the likes of Boreham Wood, Hampton and Richmond Borough and Brackley Town before moving to Clarence Park in 2020 following a return to Chelmsford.
Key Player: Shaun Jeffers
Despite dropping to the bench in the final few games of the regular season, the Saints skipper’s goalscoring exploits cannot be ignored with the striker recording 28 goals across 46 appearances in the VNLS this season.
The talismanic forward netted off the bench againts Farnborough on the final day as well as netting an extra-time winner against Chelmsford in the VNLS playoff eliminator round to set up a tie with Dartford.
Jeffers was also an instrumental part of the side’s memorable FA Cup run in the 2021/22 season helping his part-time side overcome League Two’s Forest Green.
