ST ALBANS CITY made it two wins in two against Football League opposition this pre-season, beating a Stevenage XI at Clarence Park on Saturday.

Herts Advertiser: Paul Bastock collects the ball. Picture by Bob WalkleyPaul Bastock collects the ball. Picture by Bob Walkley (Image: Archant)

Having overcome an MK Dons XI a week earlier, the Saints were in dominant form as they ran out 4-1 winners against the League One team’s under-18s.

Despite the overall superiority, City did not have it all their own way as Ryan Towner gave the visitors a ninth-minute lead with a miss-kicked shot that beat Paul Bastock.

The lead was short-lived as former Arlesey Town striker Ashton Goss beat Dominik Dyke from 25 yards to level arrears. And they could have taken the lead but last season’s top goalscorer Greg Ngoyi was denied by a goal line clearance.

Joint managers Graham Golds and James Gray made seven changes at the break as they begin to identify who will make their squad. Curtis Shaw, who featured mainly as a substitute last season, has become the first casualty of the returning players.

Ryan Ashe continues to make a strong case for his inclusion, and on 62 minutes he set up Gareth Price for City’s second goal. Chris Henry made it 3-0 after intercepting a pass across the Stevenage box and beating the goalkeeper.

Elliot Bailey sealed the win, scoring a penalty after Price was hauled down in the box.

St Albans’ next game at Clarence Park is on Friday, July 26, against Leyton Orient, kick-off 7.30pm.