Everything you need to know about Saturday’s FA Cup with Budweiser First Round match with St Albans City…
TEAM NEWS:
John Dempster, Lee Beevers and loanee James Alabi will all miss Saturday’s match through suspension.
Striker Ben Hutchinson, who has scored two goals in 11 appearances this season, is also ruled out due to a groin tear sustained in the loss at Southend United.
Hutchinson joins Martin Riley, Chris Clements and Ryan Tafazolli on the injury list.
St Albans may choose to welcome back forward John Frendo, who was suspended for their midweek FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round win at Billericay Town.
The Saints do, however, have some injury worries, having played 10 matches in all competitions, over the past 33 days.
OFFICIALS:
Mr Mark Heywood will referee Saturday’s match. He will be assisted by Mr Darren Blunden and Mr Simon Brown. The fourth official is Mr Elliott Kaye.
RECENT FORM:
Our side go into the clash on a seven-match winless streak, having not registered a victory since our 1-0 success at Chesterfield on Saturday 28 September.
Meanwhile, St Albans, who ply their trade in the Calor Southern Premier League, are on an impressive 11-match unbeaten run, which stretches back to September.
The Saints are currently 63 places below us in the football pyramid, but booked their place in the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round with a penalty shoot-out win at Billericay Town in midweek.
Furthermore, St Albans boast one of the most potent strike-duos at non-league level, with John Frendo and Mark Nwokeji having netted on 26 occasions so far this term.
RECENT FA CUP HISTORY:
Our side have enjoyed much success in the FA Cup with Budweiser in recent years and memorably met Liverpool at One Call Stadium in the Third Round last term.
This time last season, we overcame a tricky First Round test with Slough Town, who held us both home and away, before we emerged victorious on penalties.
Meanwhile, St Albans have already overcome four qualifying rounds this season.
The Saints beat Enfield Town (2-0, QR1), Billericay Town (2-0, QR2), Tonbridge Angels (2-1, QR3) at Clarence Park, before winning at Chatham Town (2-0, QR4) in the last round.
St Albans’ last match in the FA Cup Proper was a 4-1 loss to Stockport County in the First Round at Edgeley Park in November 2002.
The Saints also lost 2-0 on home soil to Bamber Bridge in the First Round in October 1999, which was the last FA Cup Proper encounter at Clarence Park.
MATCH TICKETS:
This is an ALL-TICKET match for Stags supporters, who have until 4.00pm today (Friday 08 November) to purchase tickets.
Our supporters will be housed in the Hatfield Road End (terracing) and a section of the Main Stand (seating). A ground plan can be seen here.
Our small allocation of seating tickets has now sold out. However, terracing tickets are currently on general sale at the ticket office.
Tickets are priced as follows:
£12: Adults
£8: Concession (Senior Citizens (65+), Students*)
£3: Under 16s
*Students are required to provide a valid NUS card both at the time of purchase, and at the turnstiles on matchday.
Stags supporters who aren’t in possession of a match ticket are strongly advised not to travel to Clarence Park on matchday.
COLOURS:
Our team will be wearing their Blue & Amber away strip for Saturday’s match.
TRAVEL DETAILS:
- The SSA…
The Stags Supporters Association has arranged family-friendly coach transport to this match. Coaches depart One Call Stadium at 10.00am, with travel priced at just £10 for SSA Amber Members.
For more details and to book seats, call 07967 689597.
- By Road…
Leave the M1 at junction 9 and at the roundabout, take the first exit and join the A5183 (signed ‘St. Albans/Redbourn). Stay on the A5183 for approximately six miles, before taking the second exit at a roundabout, thus joining the A4147. Now, follow signs for ‘City Centre (A1057)’ as this takes you directly into the centre of St Albans. Once you have passed the railway bridge, turn immediately right for parking, which is available at the Rail Station, or alternatively turn left and then left again for Clarence Road, which leads to the ground.
- By Rail…
St Albans Station is just a short walk from Clarence Park and should take no more than 10 minutes. As you exit the station, walk up Station Way towards Hatfield Road. On the opposite side of the road is Clarence Park, where St Albans City F.C. is located.
- Parking…
Supporters should park at the large multi-storey car park, which is adjacent to St Albans Station and just a few minutes walk from Clarence Park (see above for directions). Parking costs just £2 at weekends.
ABOUT ST ALBANS:
- Where to eat?
There are several fast-food establishments in St Albans City centre, including McDonalds, Subway and a Nando’s restaurant. Alternatively, hot food and light refreshments will be available from inside Clarence Park.
- Where to drink?
Stags supporters have been allocated The Crown Pub, which is located on the corner of Hatfield Road/Clarence Road and is only a short walk from the away turnstiles.
- Other places to visit?
Despite St Albans being one of the smallest cities in the United Kingdom with a population of around 58,000, the city boasts several attractions.
St Albans Cathedral is open daily between 8.30am and 5.45pm, whilst the Clock Tower in the city centre is also a popular attraction.
MATCH COMMENTARY:
If you aren’t heading to Clarence Park on Saturday, you can listen to exclusive full-match commentary on Stags Player (online) and Mansfield 103.2 (local radio only).
Mansfield 103.2’s ‘Stags FM’ show begins at 2.00pm. To subscribe to Stags Player, click here.
Alternatively, why not join us in the Sandy Pate Sports Bar, where you can also listen to full-match commentary. Hot food is served until 8.00pm. For more details, click here.
