City continue winning pre-season

James Comley in action against Leyon Orient. Picture by Leigh Page (Image: Archant)

James Gray and Graham Golds saw their side overcome a Leyton Orient XI on Friday evening at Clarence Park before beating Colney Heath the following day. On Tuesday night, City made it three in three with a win over Dunstable Town.

Against Orient on Friday, Ryan Ashe continued his goal-scoring form, netting a first-half goal to give Saints a slender lead at the interval. Last season’s top scorer Greg Ngogy doubled the advantage from close range, and, despite a late goal for Orient, City held on.

Saturday’s game, which coincided with a family fun day arranged by the Magpies, saw City’s striker partnership of John Frendo and Ngoyi seal victory.

Then on Tuesday, Mark Nwokeji, Frendo and Ashe all netted to send a clear message to the Calor Southern League newboys about what the season entails.

It has been a good pre-season for the Saints with six wins, two losses and a draw under their belts. With three games left before the season starts, City look to be in good shape.

Joint manager Gray told the Herts Ad he is confident ahead of the season opener on August 17 against Poole.

“I’m quietly optimistic about the season,” he said.

“Last year was a stop-gap for Graham and I, but this season we have been able to bring in our own players and I think we will be pushing for the play-offs at the end of the year.

“One of the big differences is we don’t have any stand-out players because we have a talented squad - we can bring players off the bench and they can perform just as well.

“We have three games left before a week off ahead of the game at Poole. I don’t know anything about them, having never come across them during my playing days.

“They have just been promoted so I expect them to be similar to Dunstable Town.

“It will be a test but we will be ready.”

Thursday night is when the 20-man squad will be decided, according to Gray, ahead of Saturday’s friendly away against Potters Bar.