ST ALBANS CITY may have been without a game on Saturday but there has been plenty going on at Clarence Park over the last seven days. The Saints City Trust was launched last week in the clubhouse with the first 66 members signing up on the night raising n

ST ALBANS CITY may have been without a game on Saturday but there has been plenty going on at Clarence Park over the last seven days.

The Saints City Trust was launched last week in the clubhouse with the first 66 members signing up on the night raising nearly �3,000.

The 'first XI' numbers were auctioned off and club president Malcolm MacMillan paid tribute to the club's fans.

"Supporters have shown a unique loyalty through thick and thin and a willingness to go the extra mile for the sake of the club," he told the fans during the launch night. "The Trust fully deserves a credible role in the running of the club; there is a big space for it at St Albans City and a big job to be done."

The Trust's launch came just 24 hours after the City kids progressed in the FA Youth Cup beating Thurrock 2-1 thanks to goals from Jonathan O'Donnell and Tinashe Muskwe.

The City youngsters will now travel to Mill Field to tackle Aveley in the Final Qualifying Round next Thursday (KO 7.30pm).

Castle was delighted with his side's progress if a little surprised by the result.

"We had a big mountain to climb in as much as there are lads that are in Thurrock's team who are quality. I've just been speaking to their reserve team manager and that's pretty much Thurrock's reserve team," said the City boss. "They're playing men's football week in week out and there's one lad that's just signed for Bristol City so I knew they had a lot of quality. First team star O'Donnell impressed in central midfield and the City boss is predicting a big future for the former MK Dons youngster.

"The sky's the limit. My suggestion, I hope the chairman is listening to this, put him on a contract.

"He was very unlucky, I know I'm making the decisions so this sounds very contradictory, but he was very unlucky not to start in the first team on Saturday and arguably should have been on at an early date but that's another matter," added the 43-year-old.

"He's just pushed himself firmly into first team reckoning and I dare say into a few scout's notebooks because there were a few here."

The City first team return to Clarence Park on Saturday to tackle league leaders Newport County in their first home game since September 12 when the club will be hoping for an improvement in the attendance following an amendment to the admission pricing.

Entry to the ground for adults remains at �10 but the rate for concessions (OAPs, U16s and students) has been reduced to �2.50 (a saving of �2.50) while children under the age of 12 will be admitted for �1 (a saving of �2). Under-fives are still admitted for free.

City chairman John Gibson told the club's official website: "We understand that times are tough economically and it's up to us to ensure that people locally want to come to Clarence Park and follow the Saints. I hope to see supporters both young and old taking advantage of this offer."

Alongside this the club has introduced a new initiative where it will admit season ticket holders of football club's in the Premiership, Championship, League One, League Two and the Conference Premier for just �5 on production of their season ticket.

League leaders Newport will provide Castle's men with a stern test with the Welsh side unbeaten in the league so far this season.

City's game with Woking on Saturday, October 24, has been rearranged due to the Cards' continued involvement in the FA Cup.

The Saints will now travel to Kingfield on Tuesday, November 10 (KO 7.45pm).

The Saints City Trust is holding a quiz night in the clubhouse this Friday at 7.30pm.

Teams can enter at a cost of �3 per person and there will be a buffet and a raffle.

You can book in advance by ringing Ian Rogers on 07714 145862 or you can just turn up on the night.

Luke Thurlbourne has been awarded the Saints City Trust's Player of the Month award for September.

Thurlbourne, who also won the August award, will be presented with his trophy by Laura and Stephen Graham ahead Saturday's game.