ST ALBANS City FC U18s secured the league and cup double in emphatic style.

ST ALBANS City FC U18s secured the league and cup double in emphatic style.

Having already netted the Allied Counties Youth League East Division title, the Saints demolished Fleet Town 9-0 in the Youth League Challenge Shield final last Wednesday at Ascot United’s ground.

In a match played in constant drizzle on a sodden pitch, City showed excellent control and skill throughout. Once Fleet’s initial energy had waned St Albans applied more pressure. They opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Harry Carr deftly lobbed the keeper from 20 yards.

Left back Stuart Henderson was another unlikely goalscorer as he headed in Gio Lee-Baptiste’s cross for number two.

After a fine first half display, City were expecting Fleet to attack in the second half.

However, a minute after the restart Elliot Bailey’s shot squirmed out of the keeper’s grasp. Despairingly the keeper slid to retrieve it, but in doing so took it over the line.

On 63 minutes Matt Taylor added the fourth with a deflected shot off the post, and Bailey the fifth with a low shot.

The young Saints netted four further goals. Tremayne Charles and Lee-Baptiste got on the scoresheet whilst Bailey added the eighth and ninth to complete the rout.

City are looking to trial new players for next season’s U18 team.

Players should be aged 17 or under on August 31 (current school Years 11/12), and at least be of County Standard or have trialled at Football League clubs.

If interested contact Graham Golds on graham.golds@westminster.org.uk or call 07971 007829.