DEFENDER Chris Seeby crowned his return to action after 13 months out with a spectacular goal on Monday. Seeby, aged 23, made his first appearance since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in training and told Herts Advertiser sports reporter David Brawn

DEFENDER Chris Seeby crowned his return to action after 13 months out with a spectacular goal on Monday.

Seeby, aged 23, made his first appearance since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in training and told Herts Advertiser sports reporter David Brawn he was delighted to get through almost an hour of the Capital League reserve fixture at Clarence Park. He said: "I feel fine. There is no soreness or anything. I have been training for the last few months and I got a text from the physio last week asking how confident I was about playing a game. I was a bit nervous about it but he said to see if I could get through a half and I played about 60 minutes. I was quite surprised. I felt I did quite well after being out for so long. My fitness wasn't bad.

"I think I need three or four more reserve games and then maybe the manager might send me out on loan to get some first team football. The knee still needs to get a bit stronger but I was fine. There are no aches and pains or anything."

City reserves lost the game against Harrow Borough 4-1 with the highlight being an exceptional strike from Seeby on 50 minutes to mark his return. The versatile defender said: "I played centre back for the first half hour and then went out to right back where I was much more comfortable. I could see a bit more of the ball and in the second half I was running forward, got to the edge of the box and let one fly, really. Nobody closed me down."

Seeby has endured some tough times since suffering the injury and had to keep the faith, particularly when he was waiting months for his operation. He said: "It makes you realise how much football means to you. It has been hard but I am getting back into it now. Waiting for the operation was the hardest part. Three or four times I was told I had a date, only to get my hopes dashed again. When that was done and you start the rehab it is not so bad.

"The team has been really good. I have some close friends at the club. Scott Cousins and Ben Martin know what it is like to be out for a long time and they have helped me through. Steve Castle has also been really supportive.