ST ALBANS CITY'S reward for their 3-0 win in a replay against Wisbech Town the teams drew 1-1 at Wisbech on Saturday is a trip to Ryman Premier Division leaders, Canvey Island in the FA Trophy second round.

Although big-spending Canvey are among the favourites to win the competition, City co-manager Gary Roberts, believes his team must go into the tie, on Saturday, December 1, with the belief that they can pull off an upset.

He said: "People say that for matches like these, the players should just go out and enjoy themselves but what how can you enjoy it if you end up on the wrong side of a heavy defeat.

"Our message to the players is to go out, take the initiative and take the game to Canvey."

Roberts was happy with Tuesday's win over Wisbech and felt his team was by far the better footballing side.

"We have been struggling to get a team out in recent games so we were just glad to get the result.

"To be honest, they are a very direct team and they played to their strengths and tried to upset us.

"The return of Derek Brown after suspension also helped to add some presence to the team."

As well as the return of club captain Brown for Saturday's (November 10) league game at Hitchin Town, two new signings are also in line for a place in the starting 11.

Midfielder Jimmy Sagrue has been signed from Aldershot Town while Denver Birmingham has signed from Doc Martens club, Margate.

Meanwhile, co-manager Steve Cook has been ruled out of action for at least three weeks after suffering a broken toe in Saturday's game at Wisbech.

Off-the-field problems at the club are no nearer to a conclusion with neither the board or supporters group having any contact since Hardings' offer to step down as majority shareholder if the right buyer came along.

November 8, 2001 15:00