St Albans City secured a first home league win of the season with a 3-0 victory over Basingstoke Town tonight (Monday).

A Louie Theophanous brace and a terrific curling effort from Lewis Hilliard wrapped up the points at Clarence Park.

It was a perfect tonic for managers Graham Golds and Jimmy Gray who had seen their side slump to a 2-0 loss at Truro City on Saturday after a first win of the season, 1-0 at Margate, the weekend before.

Basingstoke saw plenty of the ball in the first half and had two great chances to score, both falling to skipper David Ray.

He firstly headed Tom Bird’s corner wide from in front of goal, then just before the break shot straight at keeper Joe Welch from inside the six yard box.

Those misses were crucial as prior to them St Albans grabbed the only goal of the half.

The Saints’ leading scorer Theophanous was given far too much time and space with the ball at his feet in the box to rifle expertly past keeper Aaron Howe.

It could even have been 2-0 at half-time.

A well-worked short corner between skipper Lee Chappell and James Comley, saw the former clip the ball to the far post where Ben Martin headed into the turf and into the hands of Howe.

After the break two goals for the home side in the space of six minutes all, but secured them the triumph.

Ten minutes in a Hilliard corner from the left was too long, however Martin retained possession and laid the ball back out to the corner-taker.

From the edge of the box, the number 10 cut inside his marker and curled a beauty into the far corner.

It was soon 3-0 as a ball into the box was controlled by Ghassimu Sow, he backheeled to Theophanous and he netted from close range to put the game out of reach for the away side.

The visitors, without a win in the league this season, were unable to find a way back into the clash as the Saints secured a second win in three games.

St Albans City host Hayes & Yeading United on Saturday.