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Post by ad43footsoldier on Jan 14, 2015 14:16:51 GMT
Firstly I'd like to extend at Welcome to the German contingent coming to Clarence Park for the first time on Saturday. Let's hope it's the first of many. We owe Concord after they knocked us out of the cup, so here's hoping for a good day and 3 points. Here's a sneak peak of the programme cover for Saturday; Wilkommen Worms.
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Post by Hatboy on Jan 15, 2015 22:35:02 GMT
Concord Rangers (H) Preview Written by Jake Ellacott The Saints welcome Concord Rangers back to Clarence Park for the second time this season, as we look to avenge the FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying defeat which the Beach Boys inflicted on us back in early October.citycrest1
Concord have had an impressive season in terms of progress in the Cup competitions, having beaten City in the Fourth Qualifying Round, the side from Essex defeated League Two side Mansfield Town, who we faced at the same stage last season, and held The Stags to a 0-0 draw at Field Mill, taking them to a replay in Canvey Island, but the League team snatched progress to the next round with a 1-0 win. This impressive run for Rangers continued with their progress to the Second Round of the FA Trophy, where they eventually lost 3-1 at the hands of our neighbours Hemel Hempstead Town. However, Concord, to reach this stage, defeated Vanarama Conference Premier High-flyers Barnet 6-1 at the Hive after a 3-3 draw back on home territory for Concord.
In the league, meanwhile, after a patchy period of form during their Cup runs, Concord are now unbeaten in their last three, having secured victories against lowly Staines and promotion chasing Bromley, while a 1-1 draw with play-off chasing Gosport just before the New Year was the catalyst for their improved form.
However, it is worth noting that the Beach Boys, prior to the Gosport draw, had lost their last two, including a 4-1 loss in the reverse fixture against Bromley, alongside a disappointing 3-1 defeat away to Bishops Stortford.
The Saints in the meantime have themselves suffered some disappointing results, but will be hoping that with the return of several long term absentees will see them pick up their second win of the New Year.
City welcomed league leaders Boreham Wood the Park last weekend, and despite an impressive performance against the table toppers, two clinical finishes in the first and final five minutes meant that the Saints left the pitch feeling empty handed after matching the Wood for long periods of the game.
That result means that the Saints have picked up just four points from their last six matches. However, this poor run of results has coincided with a tough holiday festive fixtures wise, and also an injury crisis, which at one point saw at least seven first team players on the treatment table.
After the Wood game, Jimmy Gray was left to rue a number of chances which fell to City during the game, but he will be hoping that he can call upon the services of John Frendo, who scored twice in a Herts Senior Cup tie against Hadley on Tuesday night, as the forward looks to return to full fitness after being ruled out for a number of weeks with a back injury. James Comley, meanwhile, also played in the Hadley fixture, and will surely prove to be important player to have back in the team.
Alongside the possible returns of Frendo and Comley, the management have been able to extend the loan of Ian Gayle, who has performed admirably in the heart of an ever-changing City back four these past couple of months. James Kaloczi has also returns from his loan at Wingate & Finchley, and the City youth product will be hoping that he can push his way into the starting XI in coming weeks.
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Post by Hatboy on Jan 16, 2015 19:19:47 GMT
This weekends best available odds:
Saturday 17th January 2015 Basingstoke Town (19/20) Draw (14/5) Gosport Borough (27/10) Bath City (8/13) Draw (10/3) Staines Town (21/5) Hemel Hempstead (10/11) Draw (13/5) Farnborough (3) Maidenhead Utd (1) Draw (11/4) Bishop Stortford (5/2) St Albans City (17/10) Draw (5/2) Concord Rangers (17/11) Sutton Utd (7/2) Draw (14/5) Ebbsfleet United (11/13) Wealdstone (9/5) Draw (5/2) Chelmsford (6/4) Weston Super Mare (11/8) Draw (13/5) Eastbourne (15/8) P-P Whitehawk (6/4) Draw (13/5) Bromley (17/10) Sunday 18th January 2015 Hayes & Yeading (13/5) Draw (13/5) Havant & Waterlooville
Form guide:
Saints @ Home WDWL F 4 A 4 Pts 7 Concord Away LLDW F 4 A 6 Pts 4 Their draw and win came at Gosport and Bromley respectively
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Post by Hatboy on Jan 16, 2015 23:41:12 GMT
Saints Welcome Worms St Albans City Football Club warmly welcomes visitors, led by Yannick Weismann, from our twin city Worms, who will attend our home game against Concord Rangers this coming weekend.
Worms - pronounced Verms - is a city in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany about 40 miles south-west of Frankfurt-am-Main. It has some 80,000 inhabitants. Like St Albans there is a significant Cathedral, which was originally finished in 1181.
Our guests will be presented with complimentary match tickets for the game at a reception to be hosted by the Right Worshipful Mayor of St Albans and District Geoff Harrison on Friday evening.
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oldgeezer
Saints Youth Team Player
Posts: 248
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Post by oldgeezer on Jan 17, 2015 11:20:00 GMT
And here it goes - sun shining! Forecast is for 3C this afternoon so should all be gone...... fingers crossed.
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Post by Saint on Jan 17, 2015 11:20:55 GMT
Pitch inspection atm
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Post by Saint on Jan 17, 2015 11:28:03 GMT
Game On
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Post by Saint on Jan 17, 2015 15:16:48 GMT
1-0, Malcolm in the 13th minute.
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Post by Saint on Jan 17, 2015 15:34:26 GMT
2-0, Frendo Pen 32nd min.
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Post by Saint on Jan 17, 2015 15:51:07 GMT
HT 2-0
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Post by Saint on Jan 17, 2015 16:25:03 GMT
Frendo misses a pen
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Post by Saint on Jan 17, 2015 16:29:18 GMT
Soetan on for Malcolm, Comley on for Kaloczi
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Post by Saint on Jan 17, 2015 16:41:37 GMT
Smith on for Corcoran
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Post by Saint on Jan 17, 2015 17:38:35 GMT
FT 2-0
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barker
Saints Youth Team Player
Posts: 135
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Post by barker on Jan 17, 2015 17:44:38 GMT
Good solid performance today, with a lot of good team work and some nice moves. Could have easily had more goals - shame about Frendo's moment of hesitation in the second penalty, but I suppose Concord will see it as justice for a soft penalty. Good to see the mighty Ebbsfleet losing.
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Post by Boomer on Jan 17, 2015 17:57:54 GMT
A very good win against a decent side and some outstanding performances, especially from Corcoran, Kaloczi, Gayle, Beckles and both of the new lads. Great to see some pace and movement up front, at last, to help out Frendo. Worth waiting for.
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Post by westwalessaint on Jan 17, 2015 18:34:35 GMT
Really good win by lads. I travelled 500 miles to see the debacle in the FA Cup, so it was good to get revenge today. Also good to hear positives about new signings. I'll be very happy with mid table security this year.
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Post by Hatboy on Jan 17, 2015 18:36:08 GMT
Not spectacular but a very good workman like performance and well worth the 3 points with some good attacking play Malcolm and Frendo look like they could work very well together and great to have Jamal & Kaloczi back, the disallowed goal should of stood and that wasn't a penalty John bought that one so they'll probably feel that justice was served. Still a win, a couple of goals and a clean sheet so all good. 4 points off the play offs and 12 clear of relegation even though we've played more than most just want to see us get that goal difference in to the + now That's 4 wins 1 draw and 1 defeat in the last 6 Home games scoring 7 and conceding 4 with 3 clean sheets. Also a special mention to the German contingent that came over for the game www.hertsad.co.uk/sport/st-albans-city/new_attack_force_fires_the_saints_to_three_points_1_3920935
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Post by davymac55 on Jan 17, 2015 18:38:20 GMT
A good 3 points against a solid if workmanlike concord. Pity we didn't play with the same commitment previously. But that's history now. Good performance from new signings and great to see some pace as well. Thought we looked dangerous on attack and could have scored more. Need to tighten the defence a bit but anyone really can beat anyone. Hayle looked solid and brings a touch of class to things. Michael c took his goal really well and with jamal gives us more options . Great noisy support as well. Fantastic. where do we dig up these officials. I mean , really. With no offence meant to Sunday league and pub league officials we expect better at this level. Anyway we are on a roll! Two wins in a week.Coys
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knockers
Saints Reserve Team Player
Posts: 283
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Post by knockers on Jan 17, 2015 18:45:21 GMT
congrats to managers on bringing malcolm and lowe to club, jamal 2nd time round, john frendo worked tirelessly up front on own all season, think at home need two strikers. great to have options in midfield and up top now. sure everyone at club like to build on win today and maybe top eight finish? Looking forward to seeing new saints at maidenhead next sat . well done COYS
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Post by COYS on Jan 17, 2015 22:44:21 GMT
Very satisfying to be able to enjoy what was really a comfortable victory - although I wouldn't be saying the same if their forward had stuck in that header directly after Frendo's penalty miss! As has already been said, Malcolm and Lowe fit straight into the side and we looked very dynamic going forward and everyone was working had to make things happen. Bit shaky at the back early on but improved as the game progressed. John Kyriacou has a fight on his hands if he wants that number two shirt back off Howard Hall when he's fit again; Hall is far more athletic and is more sound defensively in my opinion. I've always been a fan and credit to him for staying to fight for his place.
Gayle once again classy, will be missed when his loan is up. Perhaps Beckles will partner Locke at centre-half and Gorman will return to the midfield (where was he today?) if we are unable to find a permanent replacement before the month is up.
Kaloczi enjoyed a good return to the side and, alongside Beckles, we had a serious presence in that midfield - two big lads who are difficult to manage, allowing Corcoran (technically our best player) a little more time on the ball. Not to speak too soon, but today's performance promises much for a strong end to the season and beyond.
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Post by Saint on Jan 17, 2015 23:17:11 GMT
Gorman possibly out due to personal issues today, but no solid information.
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Post by COYS on Jan 17, 2015 23:32:33 GMT
Cheers Saint! I've enjoyed watching him play, hope he's back in action soon enough.
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Post by Boomer on Jan 18, 2015 0:33:40 GMT
"...........Gayle once again classy, will be missed when his loan is up............. I couldn't agree more, COYS. He has played 13 games for us now and not a bad one amongst them, not even close. He is solid, pacy and has real presence. I would love to see him as a permanent fixture in the side or, at least on on loan until the end of the season, if it was possible. He has made a huge difference to the defence.
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Post by COYS on Jan 18, 2015 0:41:11 GMT
"...........Gayle once again classy, will be missed when his loan is up............. I couldn't agree more, COYS. He has played 13 games for us now and not a bad one amongst them, not even close. He is solid, pacy and has real presence. I would love to see him as a permanent fixture in the side or, at least on on loan until the end of the season, if it was possible. He has made a huge difference to the defence. In all honesty, he had a bit of a nightmare at Hemel on New Years' Day in my opinion. It was only the second time I'd seen him and I wasn't sure if it was the same Gayle people on here were raving about as he couldn't make a single pass stick. But no-one had a great game that day on a cabbage patch of a pitch and in every other game he's been absolutely outstanding alongside Darren Locke, who deserves a hell of a lot of credit himself. Gayle has a hell of a lot to his game, a lot more than average non-league centre-half, that's for sure.
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Post by benny03 on Jan 18, 2015 6:38:32 GMT
Won't go into any details but Gorman had some very sad news on Friday evening & didn't feel he could play & give his best
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Post by asaintreborn on Jan 18, 2015 13:30:00 GMT
When I saw the signings yesterday all I saw was pace and power and boy was the affect of that highlighted yesterday. Don't get me wrong we didn't have the ball as much as I would have liked, but I have not seen opposition defenders running backwards as much as Concord had to all season because of the pace and power Michael Malcolm provided and Jamal Lowe. There is nothing defenders hate worse than having to defending running towards there own goal it frightens them. Michael Malcolms runs in behind were superb, he made some really intelligent runs and once he starts to integrate into the team, hopefully they start to pick up those runs as sometimes we turned our back on them yesterday. The one time Frendo recognised the run he made in behind, it resulted in a goal. We are not used to players darting in behind defenders it will take time for our centre mids to look for those balls as we are not used to it. What else was fantastic to see was because of Jamal and Michael willingness to run in behind and join attacks it stretched their defence giving Frendo time to take the ball down in space to do what he does best. No longer could two players man mark him they had to pick up the other runners. I thought Kaloczi and Beckles were superb in the middle today, they won every first and second ball. Kaloczi who impressed me the most and probably deserved MOM gave a solid display, I think his time at Wingate served him well. The second penalty I'd like to see again on a replay, but from first viewing it was in my mind a 100% a penalty. I wasn't a fan of the ref today however, I think he gets that right, he absolutely clatters Frendo without getting the ball. It is a clumsy challenge and if outside the box nobody would have complained if that was given as a free kick. Boomer sadly this will be Gayles last stint at St.Albans City this season as you can only have the same player on loan three times in a season so enjoy his performances. Unless of course we buy him . He was superb again yesterday especially when Locke had a shakey opening 20 mins, he covered superbly for him. I don't think we need many Players now to even out the balance of the side, but a defender to replace Gayle and a Goal scoring midfielder would be a start. If we get any players now we may need to take a Gamble at players in leagues below us. Their are plenty of decent players with potential that would be worth taking a gamble on. I think we have enough now to stay in this league and finish around mid table.
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Post by COYS on Jan 18, 2015 13:37:48 GMT
Agree on all points, asaintreborn.
A mention too for Joe Welch. I don't know the full extent of his heart issue but your first game back after a scare like that can't be easy. He settled straight back into the team like he'd never been away, looking as assured as ever.
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Post by Boomer on Jan 18, 2015 14:16:31 GMT
I couldn't agree more, COYS. He has played 13 games for us now and not a bad one amongst them, not even close. He is solid, pacy and has real presence. I would love to see him as a permanent fixture in the side or, at least on on loan until the end of the season, if it was possible. He has made a huge difference to the defence. In all honesty, he had a bit of a nightmare at Hemel on New Years' Day in my opinion. It was only the second time I'd seen him and I wasn't sure if it was the same Gayle people on here were raving about as he couldn't make a single pass stick. But no-one had a great game that day on a cabbage patch of a pitch and in every other game he's been absolutely outstanding alongside Darren Locke, who deserves a hell of a lot of credit himself. Gayle has a hell of a lot to his game, a lot more than average non-league centre-half, that's for sure. Fair point, I must have erased the Hemel game from the memory bank!
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Post by asaintreborn on Jan 18, 2015 14:24:23 GMT
I forgot about Joe Welch! Without doubt in my mind the best keeper in the league. The way he takes command of his box and take pressure of his defenders from set pieces is second to none. That's before we even mention his shot stopping ability.
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