On Tuesday evening we visit Clarence Park, home of St Albans City, for a National League South fixture that has brought happy memories over the last three seasons with each game bringing a 3-2 success.

In May 2022, for the last game of the season, the Angels were on the back end of a tumultuous week that had seen the departure of Steve McKimm, leaving Tommy Parkinson to guide the players through the choppy waters in the wake of the dismissal. Tonbridge supporters that day were truly magnificent. Whatever their opinion, they were as one and greeted the win from 2-1 down to victory, virtue of a Joe Turner penalty.

In January 2023, the Angels returned and came away with the points courtesy of goals from Joe Turner and a brace from Jordan Greenidge and, to complete the trilogy, in November 2023, two more goals, one a 94th minute winner, came from Greenidge with Sean Shields netting the other.

St Albans City have remained in National League South since 2014/15 and have been perennial challengers, twice reaching the play-offs, so it comes as a surprise to find them struggling this season, coming into Tuesday’s game in 21st place.

Recent form has seen a slight upturn with only a single goal defeat at Eastbourne Borough in the last five games which has seen creditable draws against Torquay and away from home at Weston-super-Mare and Salisbury.

Managing St Albans is Ian Culverhouse, who took over from David Noble in November. He had previously been in charge at Boston United, Kettering Town, Grantham Town and Kings Lynn Town and, as a player, made the best part of 300 appearances at Norwich City.

St Albans main man, as has been the case for the last five seasons, is Shaun Jeffers. National League South record goalscorer with over 170 appearances that has brought 95 goals, four this season. Their top scorer this season is Ken Charles who has netted 10 times in league and cup. Other players in their squad who we have faced many times include forward players Zane Banton and Iffy Allen. Culverhouse has added defender Brandon Mason from Wealdstone this week and has also dipped into the loan market in the last couple of weeks with the additions of Reuben Wyatt from Northampton Town and Alfie Bendle from Colchester United.

The Angels will go into the game in good spirits following Saturday’s performance in difficult circumstances, Jay looked forward to St Albans commenting: “St Albans is never an easy place to go and they are fighting for their lives down there. They have some real good quality in the squad and it is a surprise that they are where they are, but we had a good performance against them at home and hopefully we can go there and back-up Saturday’s win.”

Clarence Park is a grand old stadium and has been the home of St Albans since their formation in 1908, but its use as a football ground dates back to 1894. The main stand is of wooden construction and has stood in place since 1922 while the rest of the stadium has developed around it. Opposite the main stand is a covered enclosure of terracing and there is also covered terracing behind both goals.

The clubhouse is available to all supporters serving a wide variety of beers with hot food available. There are also bar outlets outside of the clubhouse. In three corners of the stadium you can find food outlets with burgers, chicken meals, pies, sausage rolls and vegan options. Our gourmet critic, David Knight, is full of praise: “Here we have a club that has pretty much perfected its food delivery. A generally good standard of food all round. Prices typical for the fare on offer. Most impressive is the organisation of staff/speed of service. Other clubs take note, this is largely how it should be done.”

Please note that Clarence Park is a cashless stadium.

There is no parking available at Clarence Park and whilst parking is available on local streets, please be aware of any parking restrictions and be respectful of residents’ driveways. Train travellers should arrive at St Albans City station and the stadium is a five-minute walk away.

Admission prices, online until 23.59 this evening, are: Adults: £16.50, Concessions: £11, 18-23 years: £8, 12-17 years: £5, 5-11 years: £1 and under-fives free. Match day prices: Adults: £18, Concessions: £12.50, 18-23 years: £9, 12-17 years: £6, 5-11 years: £1 and under-fives free.

Online tickets are available HERE  

Enjoy the game!