ST ALBANS CITY continued their preparations for the new season with two good victories and two good performances, but in front of another two dismal crowds.

Doc Martens Premier League outfit Chelmsford City visited Clarence Park on Tuesday, July 24, for an entertaining match, which saw Saints edge home by the odd goal in three.

A ragged St Albans found it difficult to get going and Chelmsford with former Saint Richard Hurst in goal were creating the better early chances as Christian Metcalf broke through the centre of the Saints defence, only to be denied by an excellent Richard Wilmott block.

However, Saints gradually got themselves into the game and Younis Nabil did well to create space for a cross from the left which was volleyed agonisingly wide by Gary Wraight, who had taken up good position in the box.

Just when it looked like the home side were beginning to get on top, Chelmsford promptly took the lead with a wonderful Beckham-esque free kick.

Ben Lewis was fouled on the edge of the box and from the resultant set piece, Richard Skelly curled a beautiful ball into the top left hand corner to leave Wilmott helpless.

Stung by the goal, Saints started to pile on the pressure, and a clever move on the half hour involving Jon Rattle and Ryan Moran deserved a goal, but keeper Hurst saved well from Moran's driven effort.

Nabil was proving a constant nuisance to the Chelmsford defence and his clever turn and shot was tipped over by Hurst.

However, Nabil's persistence finally paid off five minutes before the break when the little striker turned full-back Gary Cross inside out before setting up Rob Smith, who volleyed home from the edge of the box.

Saints continued to press and Nabil was unlucky not to give his side the lead when he tried to lob the keeper, but again Hurst was well positioned to deny the City danger man.

The second half was a much more tame affair, with Saints bosses Gary Roberts and Steve Cook fielding almost an entirely different line-up.

However, centre halves Richard Evans and Corey Campbell looked particularly impressive and with Andy Linighan still to come into the Saints team, this season's defence has the makings of an extremely accomplished unit.

Indeed, Campbell was unlucky not to give Saints the lead when his powerful header from Oughram's corner was somehow cleared on the line by the Chelmsford defence.

However, the visitors were still looking dangerous on the break, and Ben Lewis should have given his side the lead, but looped a header inches over Wilmott's cross bar.

Campbell came close again for Saints, who were dominating by this stage, and when he found space in the Chelmsford box, but his header drifted just wide of Hurst's goal.

But with the game drifting towards a draw, Saints grabbed the winner in the very last minute with a free kick that their play over the 90 minutes had just about merited.

Darren Fenton stepped up from 25 yards out and curled a low drive past the outstretched Hurst to ensure the victory.

Afterwards, co-manager Cook revealed that he had been pleased with his side's performances and the squad was beginning to take shape.

He said: "I think we have done reasonably well and the early season indications are good. Everything's starting to build up nicely, and we are gently beginning to see players fitness improve."

He also indicated the management team is beginning to put together this season's pool of players, explaining: "We are getting closer to the final squad and we will have to start letting a few of the lads go. However, the players know that they all have to play for their place in the starting 11.

"This gives these friendlies a competitive edge, which I've got to admit is something that I like. I want to see how many of the boys are really willing to play for the club and give their all."

The victory over Chelmsford completed a satisfactory week for Saints after Saturday's encouraging 4-0 home win against Aylesbury United.

Ryan Moran opened the scoring, Nabil added two more before Cook completed a comfortable afternoon's work.