As the old saying goes ‘If you can keep your head when all about are losing theirs….’ St Albans would have done well to adhere to this old proverb as a lack of discipline and an inability to keep their voices in check certainly assisted their downfall against a now unbeaten in five Hampton side.

With Dean Wells suspended and still no return for the injured Graham Harper, Dev made 2 changes from the side against Thurrock, making his first start of the season was Ian Hodges and there was a return for Ashley Smith in place of the injured Francis Quarm. Jamie Collins was fit enough for a place on the bench which also included the returning Steve Tyson following a short loan spell at Kingstonian, Lawrence Yaku dropped to the bench after starting the first 6 games of the season. The Beavers once again lined up in an unfamiliar 4-4-2 formation.

The early exchanges pointed to an exciting game in the baking hot Bank Holiday sun, Matt Lovett tipped over a rising drive from Soloman Shields after 3 minutes, the honour of being the first of 8 names in referee Paul Forrester’s little black book went to Marcello Fernandes shortly after as St Albans started the brightest. It was somewhat against the run of play when Hampton took the lead on 12 minutes, the impressive Ashley Smith sent over a teasing left footed cross which Ian Hodges flicked in to the far corner past a statuesque Paul Bastock in the City goal. Hampton further extended their lead 8 minutes later, and it came from the same provide as Smith drilled in a corner, which was met by the onrushing Craig Dundas to power a header in to the net for his 3rd goal of the season.

Hampton then gave St Albans a lifeline back in to the game as Matt Lovett, whilst shepherding  the ball out for a goal kick appeared to block of St Albans Gary Cohen and a penalty was awarded and Lovett added to the names in the book. Drew Roberts netted his 4th of the season, although Lovett did get his hand to the ball. Whilst this was occurring Ian Hodges was receiving treatment following the reoccurrence of his groin injury and was replaced by Lawrence Yaku, who rattled the St Albans cross bar shortly after coming on, Stuart Lake’s rebound was then saved by Bastock.

The Beavers were then handed a further boost when Jamie Thurlborne was sent off for hauling down Craig Dundas as he tired to burst through on goal, Forrester deaming the young left back to have been the last man and sent him on his way. From here on in St Albans got more and more frustrated at the man in black and managed to pick up 4 bookings during the rest of the game for dissent.

As has occurred against both Basingstoke and Thurrock so far this season, despite having the man advantage for over half the game Hampton were unable to use this to their benefit, and despite having a lot of possession were unable to create much in the way of clear cut chances, either through a little bit of indecision or just lacking a little quality with the final ball.

Midway through the second half St Albans saw their manager Steve Castle sent to the stand for questioning the referee’s decision making abilities a little too often. Hampton’s best chances came when Craig Tanner burst though, but skimmed his shot wide, Jon McDonald found himself free in the six yard box after a flowing passing move, but missed the target and Lawrence Yaku had a strong shout for a handball by Bastock turned down when he attempted to lob the veteran keeper.

At the final whistle James Fisher used an exceptionally short selection of words to describe the referee’s performance and earned himself a post match red card for his comments.

Next up for the Beavers is Woking at Beveree, with Ian Hodges and Dean Wells still suspended Alan Devonshire may use this week’s reserve fixture to give some much needed game time to some of the fringe players to get their match fitness up in preparation for next Saturday’s game.