Charlie Walker ended St Albans City’s woeful run of results by netting the only goal of the game against play-off hopefuls Dartford at Clarence Park on Saturday.
The former Aldershot striker struck in the 58th minute to secure just his side’s second Vanarama National League South win from 16 matches.
Ahead of the game boss Ian Allinson was busy on the recruitment front.
Ahead of the league’s transfer deadline last Thursday, Luton Town’s Zane Banton joined City on loan while Solomon Sambou (Hayes and Yeading), Kieran Monlouis (AFC Sudbury) and keeper Christopher Haigh (East Grinstead) also signed.
Winger Banton and central midfielder Sambou started the game while Monlouis was on the bench.
Dartford had the better of the first half and forced City keeper James Russell into a few saves and were guilty of missing a hatful of chances.
At the other end Graeme Montgomery shot just over for the hosts while Banton looked lively on his debut and after one jinking run was only denied a goal by Dartford keeper Billy Collings’ smart stop
The second half saw Ryan Hayes hit the side-netting for the visitors before City broke the deadlock.
Banton collected the ball in the centre of the park and ran towards the left flank where he exchanged passes with Montgomery.
His looping cross to the far post found Walker who let the ball bounce before hooking it over his shoulder and into the far corner of the net.
Saints could have grabbed a second as a Banton shot was blocked and, having come off the bench, Monlouis could only hit the rebound just wide on his debut appearance.
However, City were to hold out a record a much-needed victory.
The result leaves the Saints 10th in the table with Dartford still in third.
This Saturday Saints travel to Hungerford Town.
The Harpenden Construction Limited March 2017 Player of the Month award goes to Ben Herd.
The award will be presented to Herd prior to the Vanarama National League South game against Weston-super-Mare on Easter Monday (April 17) by Michael O’Shea, owner of the Courtyard Café in Hatfield Road, the March 2017 sponsors.
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