St Albans City gave a first appearance to a new signing in Tuesday night’s 3-2 loss at home to Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Richard Sho-Silva is a centre-half who spent last season at Dartford after spells in the midlands with Sutton Coldfield Town, Stourbridge, Halesowen and Kidderminster Harriers among others.

He came off the bench against the Beavers on 82 minutes and manager Ian Allinson is hoping he will be ready to start in the near future.

Allinson said: “He played at Biggleswade Town where he slightly strained his hamstring so he’s been with us all the time but this is the first time he felt comfortable enough to start playing again.

“It was good to get a few minutes into him and for me he’s a big unit at six foot three.

“He’s an athlete, he’s strong and hopefully he will improve us from the defensive side of things.”