St Albans City are back in FA Cup action this Saturday as they welcome Billericay Town to Clarence Park.
Saints’ first qualifying round game against Enfield Town couldn’t have gone much better for joint managers Graham Golds and James Gray as their side scored six goals and thoroughly dominated the opposition.
City’s league form, as of late, has been less than impressive, though, with two home defeats against Cambridge City and Stourbridge since the emphatic cup win.
Billericay, on the other hand, have hit a rich vein of form, winning four of their last five games, including their first qualifying round victory over Leiston, making Saturday’s match up all the more intriguing.
Ricky Sappleton will be the man to watch on Saturday. The former Macclesfield, Oxford and Bournemouth striker has netted four times in the last three games, taking his tally to seven for the year.
Billericay manager Craig Edwards has a fully-fit squad at his disposal for Saturday, but he admits City will be favourites.
Speaking to the Billericay Town website, he said: “[St Albans City] were favourites to win the league at the start of the season after assembling a good team full of good players. They had a great start and smashed Enfield in the last round.
“We went to see them play against Cambridge City last week in a game they lost and they have since also lost to Stourbridge. They will be favourites, but we are flying at the moment and have got every chance and have confidence going into the game.”
While Billericay come into the game full of confidence, City will have to quickly shake off the last two performances and get back to winnings ways. The possible return of Greg Ngoyi should give City a viable goal threat alongside either John Frendo or Mark Nwokeji and Leyton Orient loanee Harrison Georgiou could get his first start.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here