ST Albans City manager Steve Castle is looking for his side to continue their exceptional form after climbing out of the relegation zone ahead of a pivotal weekend in the Blue Square South.

ST Albans City manager Steve Castle is looking for his side to continue their exceptional form after climbing out of the relegation zone ahead of a pivotal weekend in the Blue Square South.

Victory over Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday saw City climb to 18th spot in the division. Paul Hakim scored the goal that made it five wins and one draw from a stunning run of six fixtures. Only a last gasp goal from Thurrock denied the super Saints six of the very best and Castle, who has battled on in difficult circumstances despite scepticism surrounding his appointment, is now favourite to land the Blue Square South Manager of the Month award. Castle said: "It is all down to the lads. They have acquitted themselves so well and remaining in the relegation has been a little bit of a blessing in disguise. Now we are out of it we still need to win games. This was a massive victory for us and now we go into teams we are battling against. It is high pressure but that is what we have been used to recently."

A 2-0 defeat for Sutton United at home to Fisher Athletic on Saturday virtually condemned them to relegation. Sutton are now 15 points adrift of the survival mark with only five games to play and a horrendous goal difference. Saints are on 36 points with five to play ahead of Weston-super-Mare on 35 points with seven to play and Maidenhead United on 34 points with six to play. Dorchester Town are 10 points adrift of the safety zone with six games remaining. Dorchester host Maidenhead United on Tuesday, April 1 and anything but a win would leave the home side needing a miracle.

Saints take on fellow form side Welling United away from home on Saturday, with the winners in a strong position to secure survival and the losers remaining in serious danger. Relegation rivals Weston-super-Mare host Maidenhead United in another 'six pointer' as the battle for safety continues to heat up.

Former Derby County, Birmingham City and Sheffield United player Jon Hunt replaced flu victim Paul Bruce in the side as Saints beat Havant.

Hunt gave an accomplished display in midfield and lasted 90 minutes in tough conditions. Boss Steve Castle hailed the contribution of the former Premier League man and hinted that Hunt could remain with the club next season. The manager said: "It wasn't an easy game to come into. We knew he wasn't far away and probably needed a couple more weeks but with Paul Bruce going down with flu we didn't have that. Jon has been there and seen it and done it. I had no qualms about throwing him in. He will look at his best once he has had a pre-season under his belt."

Defender Chris Seeby was at Clarence Park on Saturday as he starts his recovery from the cruciate knee ligament injury suffered in September. Seeby had his operation on Wednesday, March 26 and was in positive mood about a return to action in six to nine months time.

The St Albans City Supporters Club are providing coach travel to Bognor Regis Town on Saturday, April 12 subject to the number of bookings. Telephone Peter Knock on 01727 847484 or Ian Bangs on 07733 381874 for more information.

Adult members £15

Junior members £8