Delight for coach as first-half blast sinks Chelsea

ST Albans City Disability won their first match of the season at Highfield Park on Sunday, with a convincing team performance against Chelsea DFC3.

City started strongly, moving into a two-goal lead by mid-way through the first half.

Both goals followed a similar pattern. Skipper Anthony Roche breaking linked up with Keiran O'Kane to set up Matt Nash who finished well on both occasions. With Roche and Matt Caller controlling the defence, Chelsea rarely threatened and when they did goalkeeper Ben Groom was in fine form.

City scored a third before half-time as Paul Spinks coolly slotted a penalty into the top corner after a Chelsea defender handled.

The second half followed the same pattern, with the City defence very much on top and Chelsea struggling to find a way through the offside trap. City continued to threaten, with Pete Bishop going close and John Webster impressing on the right flank. Chelsea were able to gain some consolation with a goal from the penalty spot after a City handball.

The final score was 3-1 and coach Daniel Rogers said: "I was really pleased with all of the lads, who produced one of the team's best displays in our short history. We controlled the game from start to finish and it was a well deserved win. I would also thank the supporters who turned out in numbers to cheer for the team, including some of the younger player who train with us."

St Albans: B. Groom, L. Robinson, G. Tuitt, M. Caller, A. Roche, J. Webster, G. Darling, P. Bishop, P. Spinks, K. O'Kane, M. Nash, T. Ward, C. Magee, L. Webster.

l To help the Disability Football Team within St Albans, the club has registered with Norwich Union for sponsorship. The amount of sponsorship is selected by the number of votes received for their charity. Vote at www.joinourteam.com to support the club.