Elphick: I was gutted when I had to leave

THERE will be a familiar face in the opposition defence when St Albans take on Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday.

Gary Elphick was a hugely popular player during his two years at Clarence Park, receiving the Player of the Year award during City's only season in the Conference National.

The former Brighton defender played 84 times for City, scoring six goals but he will be looking to shut out his former employers on Saturday. However, the centre half admits it's not a game he looks forward to, saying: "To be honest I don't look forward to playing St Albans. I still keep in contact with a lot of friends down there and I'd rather not play them but I've got to do my job.

"I've good memories of my time at St Albans and I was gutted when I had to leave. The travelling was getting too much and it was taking me four hours to get to training and matches so I had to make a decision. I've gone to Havant and I'm doing well."

Havant have endured a mixed season, doing well in the FA Cup but struggling in the league. Despite this, Elphick has been in good form and at both ends of the pitch too, with the centre half netting six times. "It's been a weird one. We've progressed in cup competitions but when it comes to the bread and butter of the league we just haven't done it.

"I've scored six goals so far and I've been pleased with my general performances. Hopefully we'll get the whole package soon with my general performance and the team performance coming together."

Elphick has been impressed with City's results this season and believes they can make the play offs. "I look out for their results. They're a solid team who are hard to break down. It wouldn't surprise me if they got in the play offs.