Tangerines pull off upset in maiden win

St Albans pulled off an upset on Saturday with a 3-2 win over the previously undefeated Southgate.

Playing under the floodlights at Oaklands, Stephen Friend opened the scoring for St Albans in the 13th minute but they were pegged back by Simeon Bird eight minutes later.

Undeterred by Southgate’s lofty status - they remain top of the National League Conference East despite their first loss - the Tangerines pressed for a second and were duly rewarded when Mark Lowden rattled the backboard.

St Albans’ first-half onslaught was not done yet and David Williams padded the lead to give the hosts the advantage going into the break.

A second-half goal from Southgate narrowed the gap but the Tangerines held on to record a memorable victory and catapult themselves up to sixth in the table.

Elsewhere in the men’s section: the 2nds won 2-0 against Spencer 3rds; the 3rds lost 1-0 to Spencer 5ths; the 4ths were beaten 2-0 by Berkhamsted 2nds; the 5ths won 5-2 against Winchmore Hill & Enfield 2nds.

Earlier in the day, the ladies’ first team was held to a 2-2 draw by East Grinstead.

Two first half goals put Grinstead in the driving seat but St Albans bounced back with two strikes of their own in the second period to secure a point. Sam Archer was on target for both goals.

Elsewhere for the ladies: the 2nds were on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline against Bedford 1sts; the 3rds played out a 1-1 draw with Old Loughtonians 2nds; the 4ths lost 4-0 to West Herts 2nds.