ST Albans City bid for a place in the last eight of the Setanta Shield at home on Tuesday with a chance to put their league woes behind them. Steve Castle s team were thumped 3-0 at Clarence Park on Saturday by Maidenhead United in the league in what was

ST Albans City bid for a place in the last eight of the Setanta Shield at home on Tuesday with a chance to put their league woes behind them.

Steve Castle's team were thumped 3-0 at Clarence Park on Saturday by Maidenhead United in the league in what was a miserable home display.

The Saints now turn their attentions to Blue Square Premier leaders Aldershot Town having already eclipsed the Shots main title rivals Torquay United in the competition.

Giant defender Ben Martin returns from suspension and is expected to play at centre back alongside Ryan Frater. Former Stevenage Borough man Hasim Deen is likely to move to right back.

Simon Martin should be available to play for Saints subject to confirmation from Hayes & Yeading. Strikers Lee Clarke (suspended) and Paul Hakim (cup tied) are both out along with midfielder Paul Bruce (suspended).

On Saturday, Saints were crushed by goals from John Hastings, Manny Williams and Ashley Smith as their improving league form was curtailed by a second successive defeat.

Former Saint, Hastings turned in the opener before the break and City goalkeeper Nick Eyre then failed to clear a ball early in the second half allowing Williams to capitalise for 2-0.

The third goal, neatly finished at the second attempt by Smith, piled on the misery for home fans desperate to see some overdue league wins.

Oaklands midfielder James Archer had the two best efforts for Saints in the first half driving wide and then forcing Maidenhead goalkeeper Louis Wells to make a rare save.

Nigerian born striker Wasiu Akanni Sunday is set to sign for The Saints subject to international clearance. Sunday has featured as a professional in Lithuania this season. The front man was recommended to the Saints by Barnet and has been training with the City squad.

Richard Butler has left Clarence Park to join Ryman Premier League promotion chasers Staines Town. Butler signed for City under former boss Dave Anderson but following the sacking of the manager, was unsettled at the club and expressed his desire to leave.

Kick off is 7.45pm for the Setanta Shield Fifth Round tie with Aldershot Town on Tuesday. Saints will be chasing a win to boost the confidence ahead of the match with Newport County at Clarence Park on Saturday. Lee Clarke and Paul Bruce return from suspension for Saturday.