Joint manager James Gray believes St Albans City were good value for their FA Cup win on Sunday.

Lee Chappell scored the only goal of the game to dump Hayes & Yeading out of the competition and book a spot in the third qualifying round. The draw takes place this afternoon.

Speaking the Saintsnet, Gray said: “It was a really good, battling performance away from home against a side that have quite done well and have good players.

“We had to dig deep and battle hard. That’s the pleasing thing; we didn’t play full tilt but we got a clean sheet and the lads stuck in.”

He added: “To come away from home on a Sunday is a bit different, and the preparation was a bit different, but to come and get a result, it doesn’t matter how you do it in the FA Cup you have to win the game of football and we managed to do it.”

The Saints were without John Frendo on Sunday so instead opted for Lee Clarke up front as a lone striker. It was the introduction of David Keenleyside, though, in place of defensive midfielder James Kaloczi, that turned the game as he offered another option in attack.

“We took James Kaloczi off because we wanted to take the game to them; replays are no good for anybody,” explained Gray.

“A couple of minutes after that Sean and Keeno have linked up and got Chappers on the overlap and it’s a great finish.”