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Hard work the key as Anderson bags first win

25 October 2007

EDITORIAL - herts.advertiser@archant.co.uk

ST Albans City manager Dave Anderson was left stunned by the drama at Bromley on Tuesday as the club recorded only their second win of the campaign.

As at Bishop's Stortford, Saints prevailed in a seven-goal thriller away to a side flying high in the division and Anderson said: "I am still a bit numb. We were 3-1 up in seven minutes after being a goal down after two minutes. It is something I have never seen before and probably won't see again.

"We knew that in the second half we would have to hang on to our coat tails a little bit. We went 4-2 up but then we conceded another soft goal for 4-3. I want to get to a position where if we are 3-1 up after seven minutes everybody in the ground knows what the result is going to be. We haven't got a clue at the moment. I wouldn't say I really enjoyed it but it is a great game for supporters and players. The players worked hard for it and their desire won them the game."

Anderson now faces the challenge of guiding the club to back-to-back victories for the first time this season when they host Weston-Super-Mare at Clarence Park on Saturday. He said: "I don't for a minute think that the win at Bromley means everything is sorted but it was three points that not many people would have given us much chance of getting. We have to make sure that the players react properly to the win and do not all of a sudden think they have arrived or that the way they played is the way to go and win every game."

Striker Lee Clarke has gone someway to silencing his critics and the debate surrounding his lack of goals and Anderson said: "The form of Lee is a big, big plus. I spoke to him and he assured me that he wants to be at the club and he wants to get his old habits back. You would have to say he is a man of his word because he has scored three and had one disallowed in two games."

Full back Scott Cousins has also given the manager a huge boost by committing to the club and spurning the chance to move elsewhere. The City boss said: "We thought we had lost Scott to another club but we managed to talk to him and Scott made the decision to stay with us. I am delighted. I don't think he really wanted to leave but he had a very good offer. The supporters deserve to know that Scott is backing our cause. He wants to be here and that is something I have said I want from them all. Scott has nailed his colours to the mast."

Teenager James Nash made his first start for the club on Tuesday, stepping in to replace Reiss Noel at right back and Anderson was happy with the contribution from the former MK Dons player. He said: "James did well. People have to respect the fact he is more of a left back and not a right back and he was up against Sam Wood who is a talented player. I thought James did a job, he is quite a solid character."

l St Albans City Supporters Club are hosting a quiz night on Friday, October 26, at the Waverley Club, Waverley Road. Kick off is 7.30pm and teams must have four or five players. The cost per person is £3. Telephone Ian Rogers on 07714 145862 for more information.

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