ST ALBANS City put their FA Cup and FA Trophy disappointments behind them with a stirling performance to defeat Arlesey Town 1-0 in the league on Tuesday night.

The three points, courtesy of Sean Shields’ 18th minute winner, lifted The Saints to third in the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division table.

It was a particularly sweet success for City over the side that knocked them out of the FA Trophy less than two weeks previous.

After below-par showings in the Trophy and in Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup loss to Lowestoft Town, St Albans were back in the groove on Tuesday.

The first half saw the hosts impress and they deservedly went ahead as Richard Graham won the ball in his own half and found Shields.

He carried the ball into the visitors’ half, exchanged passes with Chris Henry, in for the ill Barry Hayles, and arrowed a shot into the top corner of keeper Nathan Abbey’s goal.

Abbey was called into action to stop a David Ijaha effort soon after.

Arlesey did have their own chances with Ryan Frater shooting over and James Hatch forcing Nick Jupp into a save and then seeing his header hit the crossbar.

After the break the visitors came more into things hunting a leveller with Chris March shooting wide and both Drew Roberts and Frater having penalty appeals turned down.

However, City did enough to secure their fourth consecutive league win.

David Howell’s troops continue their promotion push as they host seventh-placed Barwell at Clarence Park on Saturday, which is Non League Day.

With England in action on Friday night, the Premier League and Championship are taking a week off, giving the fans of bigger clubs an opportunity to experience football at a level they may be unfamiliar with whilst giving well deserved support to the local club who do so much good for the community.

In celebration of this day St Albans City FC will be offering half price entry (�5) for their 3pm Saturday fixture against Barwell to all those working in the armed forces and emergency services with valid ID.

In addition, all students with a NUS card or those in possession of a league club season ticket who show it on the day will also receive half priced entry.

The Saints Bar will be offering a Non League Day special with all pints will be �2.50 (excluding Stella and Guinness).