The hot topic of Hertfordshire to start the week, it's time for The Tudors to take on The Saints! A game where form goes out the window, with bragging rights on the line for either side, it's all to play for this evening. The Tudors' second fixture at The Focus Community Arena in two days, Lee Allinson's side secured a solid point against play-off chasing Maidstone United on Saturday afternoon, where as tonight's local visitors picked up a 0-1 victory away at Bath City. Moving on from recent form, let's take a closer look into Ian Culverhouse & his Saints side...
Founded: 1908
Nickname: The Saints
Stadium: Clarence Park
Stadium Capacity: 5007
Manager: Ian Culverhouse
History of The Saints
Founded in 1908, St Albans City have a rich history attached to themselves, experiencing both promotion and relegations throughout their existence in non league football. Their first experience of club football came at the Herts County League and Spartan League, where the Saints became champions of both divisions by 1912. The 1920s saw St Albans progress both on and off the field, with the most notable achievement being the victory over Brentford in the FA Cup. With the club joining the Isthmian Division during this time period, the Saints were made to wait until the 1950s which saw them finish runners up. Following the turn of the new millennium, St Albans became founding members of the Conference South, where they lasted two seasons before gaining promotion to the Conference Premier. Despite being relegated after just one season, St Albans saw further relegation to the Southern League Premier before gaining promotion back to the National League South in the 2013/14 season. Having narrowly missed out on promotion in the 2022/23 season with a playoff final defeat, the Saints will look to progress up the table as an established side in the league.
The Gaffer - Ian Culverhouse
Following the departure of David Noble this season, the Saints announced Ian Culverhouse as their new manager. Following a playing career at clubs including Tottenham, Brighton, Norwich and Swindon, Culverhouse has become a manager who knows the standard of the National League North and South. He has been an assistant to Paul Lambert during his tenure at Aston Villa, giving him experience of the importance of consistency and quality. Following spells at King’s Lynn, Boston United and Kettering, Culverhouse will look to drive the Saints away from the relegation positions.
One to Watch - Harrison Smith
Following the announcement of Harrison Smith joining the Saints on an 18 month contract in the first few days of the new year, the young striker has made an excellent first impression. He has scored 2 goals and provided an assist in his last four games, which will be a key player on Hemel’s radar.
Smith has grown through the academy setup at Stevenage, and has earned his experience at a National League South level for the first time this season. Having headed on loan at Worthing FC to begin the season, he has shown vast improvements and as the transfer window opened in January, he was recalled by his parent club. Just a day later, Smith was announced as a Saints player, and continues to learn his craft in the game.
Having shown his ability to score and facilitate the play, Harrison Smith will provide an energetic target as he leads the line for St Albans City.
The Skipper - Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson has shown an immense sense of loyalty towards St Albans, having taken the responsibility of the armband, following the departure of Joe Partington to Worthing earlier this month. The goalkeeper joined the Saints from Dagenham & Redbridge at the beginning of the 2020/21 season, and will be leading the team from in between the goalposts. Johnson has made 129 appearances for St Albans City, keeping 37 clean sheets- an average of a clean sheet every 3.5 games. He will look to command his area, and to lead the visitors to a third derby day win at the Focus Community Arena in as many seasons.
Last Time Out - Hemel Hempstead Town 1-1 St Albans City (Abandoned)
The last fixture between these two teams saw the eagerly-awaited Hertfordshire Derby, which eventually ended in the game being postponed due to a local power outage. Following an even start to the game with both teams launching their attack, it was the visitors who opened through former Tudor Zane Banton, as he finished a nice piece of play on the edge of the area. However, the Tudors came out in the second half with a purpose, levelling through Ricardo German. As the momentum shifted heavily in favour of the home side, the power outage saw darkness arise across the Focus Community Arena, with the referee ruling the game as unsafe for the players.
Played for both - Kyran Wiltshire
Making the short move across Hertfordshire in the summer, to make the move from Saints to Tudors, is Kyran Wiltshire. The midfielder spent four seasons at St Albans, joining the Saints from Oxford City in 2020/21, playing over 100 games for the club. During his third season with the Saints, Kyran signed on a dual registration, linking up alongside Hemel gaffer Lee Allinson, at Hendon. Going up against his former club this evening, the midfield maestro will sure be looking to put on a show against his old employers.
For those joining us at The Focus, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable evening. Bring the noise for our second game in two days at the Focus Community Arena!
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