STRIKER Lee Clarke is in contention for a start on Saturday as St Albans City bid for their first win of the season in the Blue Square South. Just two points and two goals from three fixtures does not tell the story of some exciting attacking football

STRIKER Lee Clarke is in contention for a start on Saturday as St Albans City bid for their first win of the season in the Blue Square South.

Just two points and two goals from three fixtures does not tell the story of some exciting attacking football played by Steve Castle's side only for a lack of cutting edge to prove decisive.

City took command in the first half against Havant & Waterlooville in their opening match but went in just 1-0 up and paid the price by conceding a soft equaliser. At Worcester City, Castle's team ripped into the hosts with some sublime passing football only to fail to test the goalkeeper and Worcester struck twice to take the points.

City were not in such good form at Dorchester Town on Saturday although the opening goal was a sparkling effort from Paul Hakim. Dorchester quickly equalised before Hunt and Hakim missed great chances to put City back ahead.

Substitute Clarke almost snatched the points in injury time at the end of the game and could lead the attack on Saturday with Castle holding high hopes for the man with 91 City goals to his name. The City manager said: "Not taking anything away from Simon Martin and Haks, Lee Clarke is a quality striker. We have been down to two strikers and I wanted to give Lee some minutes. He will give me a selection headache for Saturday."

Saints take on Blue Square South newcomers Chelmsford City in what will be a tough test. Chelmsford have won two and drawn one of their opening three fixtures and along with fellow newcomers Team Bath and AFC Wimbledon are in the top five of the division.

St Albans City travel to Southern Premier Division side Hemel Hempstead Town in the semi-final of the Herts Charity Cup. The tie will take place some time in November with the winners facing either Berkhamsted Town or Ware in the final.

St Albans City Supporters Club are running a coach to Maidenhead United on Bank Holiday Monday departing Clarence Road at 12.30pm subject to the number of bookings. The cost is £12 for adult supporters club members and £8 for junior members. For more information telephone Peter Knock on 01727 847484 or Ian Bangs on 07733 381874. Fans can book a place on the coach at the club shop on Saturday when St Albans City welcome Blue Square South newcomers Chelmsford City to Clarence Park.