It may have been a familiar chant around Highbury at one point but ‘1-0 to the Albans’ seems unlikely to be heard when St Albans Ladies are in action – as they racked up another thrilling three points with a 4-3 win over Shambrook.
Last time out they were on course for a similar score until a last-minute equaliser denied them but there was to be no late drama here, although the visitors did come close.
The league leaders started superbly and thought they had taken the lead after two minutes when Sophie Lawrence shot home after a through ball from Ellen Salter but she was flagged offside.
However, they didn’t have to wait long and five minutes later it was 1-0.
Kerry Twigg played the ball out wide to Salter who quickly cut into the edge of the box and unleashed an unstoppable shot.
Ellie Lovelock nearly made it 2-0 minutes later but that effort whistled wide and two goals in 10 minutes midway through the half turned the game on its head.
Emily Clark got the first from a free-kick while Charlie Mullins put Shambrook ahead with a lofted shot.
They should have made it three when they won a penalty moments later but Lauren Croucher pulled off a good save to keep Jackie Dadd’s spot-kick out.
And parity was restored a mere 30 seconds into the second half as St Albans moved forward with a flowing move and Kayla Johnson’s pass was smashed by Lovelock in off the underside of the bar.
Twigg and Salter both had efforts go close but St Albans Ladies regained the lead on 52 minutes when Salter’s speed down the left allowed her to cross for Kiran Reyat to score from close range.
Jessica Cavaree had a shot saved by the keeper while at the other end Clark smacked the crossbar as both sides pushed for a goal.
and it was the visitors who got it, a rare defensive mistake allowing Gemma Franklin the chance.
But a wonderful corner from Johnson that was glanced home by Cavaree and when Croucher made another superb stop in the final minute, the Lady Saints had the win.
Next up for St Albans is a trip to Houghton Ladies which is followed by the return visit of Shambrook, this time in the semi-final of the League Cup.
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