Clarence Park holds the key for St Albans City if they are to forge a way into round two of the FA Cup, according to joint manager Graham Golds.

Saints entertain League Two outfit Mansfield Town on Saturday (3pm kick-off) in the first round proper.

City head into the game as underdogs but Golds believes playing the game at Clarence Park means his side can cause an upset.

“We’re massive as they’re three leagues above us but we have the advantage of being at home. We need that to pay off for us.

“We need the supporters to be vocal and get behind the boys to give them a lift. If we can get the 12th man going, then you never know what can happen in a cup game.

He added: “If we were away most people wouldn’t fancy us [to win] but we’ll have the majority support; the home draw is a big lift for us. If we can get a goal and get the crowd behind us then who knows what’ll happen.”

The cup run has energised St Albans City FC, which has seen attendances grow as the team has progressed in the competition, and, for Golds and James Gray, it is a managerial milestone.

“For Jimmy and me; it’s our first full season of management together and we’re in the FA Cup first round proper – it’s a massive achievement. But we want to see if we can get through to the next round.

“We’re excited and the game and what’s it has done for the club. St Albans City has been in the doldrums the last four or five years but the attendances are on the up and there is a good feeling around Clarence Park.”