St Albans City
It’s been just over a decade since St Albans City were last in the Isthmian Premier League. Then they stayed in the division for three years before returning to the National South. The Saints were relegated last term, just two years on from their playoff final defeat. Had they won the final it would have seen St Albans City in the National League for only their second ever season. The Hertfordshire club have 18 county cups and last won an Isthmian League title way back in the twenties.
2024/2025 Season
National South: 21st
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Scorer: Ken Charles (9goals)
St Albans City managed to take survival in the National South to the final day. Unfortunately they were playing one of six teams aiming for the title, the eventual champions Truro City. As Salisbury City picked up a point, the Saints were beaten and that point was the difference. One point in the opening seven fixtures put the Herfordshire club on the back foot. The Saints finall managed a win on matchday 11. Just two wins on the road and a division high 18 draws counted against St Albans City as they dropped out of the National South.
Manager – Ian Culverhouse
Part of Tottenham Hotspur’s UEFA Cup winning squad in 1984, Ian Culverhouse is more synonymous with Norwich City. The Canaries won the old second division and challenged the top flight’s elite when the defender was there. Culverhouse was part of the Norwich City team that famously knocked out German giants Bayern Munich in the 1993/1994 UEFA Cup.
His non-league management career started in 2017. He led King’s Lynn Town to a runner up place in the Southern Premier before losing the playoff final. Culverhouse switched to Grantham for a short period but returned to the Linnets. In his second spell he took King’s Lynn Town to the National North through two playoff victories. In the following season the Linnets were promoted again by virtue of the best points per game record. After time at Kettering Town, he won another playoff promotion with Boston United. In November he was appointed the new St Albans City boss.
Summer Transfers
Former Dartford striker, Alex Wall has been around the block and is now with the Saints. Wall had three spells with the Darts in the past scoring 23 goals in 74 appearances in total. Longest serving player, Zane Banton is giving it another season at St Albans City. Banton joined on loan from Luton Town in March 2017 and has made 312 appearances for the Saints, scoring 62 goals over nine seasons. Winner of Northwood’s Supporters and Player of the Year, Troy Perez-Duah moves to the Saints. The midfielder netted 13 goals in 27 games for Northwood last season. Another new addition is Ryley Scott from Dulwich Hamlet.
Experienced former Stevenage centre back, Michael Bostwick reunites with Culverhouse, who was his manager at Boston United. He also played for Peterborough United, Lincoln City and Burton Albion in the Football League. Another player to work with the Saints boss again is Samuel Smart, who spent last season at Farnborough and Matlock Town. George Sippetts swept up some annual awards last term. The forward joins from Hayes and Yeading United where he scored 14 goals. He also netted another six for Colney Heath. The relegation of Bognor Regis Town means Jasper Mather gets another shot at the Isthmian Premier with the Saints this time. Haziz Kone is a new arrival from Aylesbury United.
Leo Sery finished last season at Hendon and after relegation from the Isthmian Premier the striker is now a Saint. Montserrat international, Alex Dyer brings plenty of experience to St Albans City. A couple of injuries at Carlisle United and Oldham Athletic resulted in limited games for new signing Magnus Norman. The goalkeeper signs from Dorking Wanderers in search of more time on the field.
More experience comes through the door via Jamal Fyfield who drops to the Isthmian Premier. Lewis Page also has higher league pedigree having played for Cambridge United, Coventry City and Charlton Athletic.
Goalscorer, Shaun Jeffers leaves the Saints after 117 goals in 218 games for the club. Goalkeeper, Michael Johnson departs after five years and 171 appearances. Also leaving the Saints are Iffy Allen who has joined Whitehawk, Josh Castiglione, Alfie Payne is now at Dulwich Hamlet. Tafari Moore, Brandon Mason, Gio Rasulo and David Longe-King have also departed.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 12 / St Albans City wins: 8 / Draws: 7
Previous Matches
Dartford 0 – 3 St Albans City (23/12/2023 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 0 Dartford (09/09/2023 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (07/05/2023 – National South Playoffs)*
Dartford 2 – 1 St Albans City (22/04/2023 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 1 Dartford (22/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 St Albans City (23/04/2022 – National South)
* – St Albans City won 5-3 on penalties
Next Meetings
St Albans City v Dartford – Saturday 16th August 2025
Dartford v St Albans City – Saturday 20th December 2025
Statistics
- Dartford are winless in theior last three matches against St Albans City (D1*, L2) * – lost on penalties
- The Darts have won two of the last three league games at home versus the Saints (L1)
- Dartford have lost just one of their last four league games at Clarence Park (W2, D1)
Match Highlights – 2023/2024
Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV
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