EMERALD VALE put their cup disappointments behind them with a emphatic 5-1 victory over fellow front runners London Road Social.

In monsoon conditions, both sides seemed evenly matched early on, but Vale's tear-away forwards gave them the edge. Richard Johnson completed his best game for Vale with a brace, and he was joined on the score sheet by Gavin Howard (2), and Vale's man of the match, Cliff Taverner, who was a constant threat breaking out the back.

Martin Mullender returned from injury to provide added physical presence in midfield, while Greg Totton's battle with Road's midfielder Danny Butcher was one of the highlights.

For the rest of the action, see the St Albans Observer of Thursday, October 25.

October 24, 2001 14:16