CITY Youth lost out by the odd goal in five in a top-of-the-table thriller at Clarence Park as visitors Wealdstone struck late on to snatch all three points.

Although Saints started well and looked the more likely scorers, with Jake Attwood coming close, it was Wealdstone who took the lead when Gavin Grant curled a shot from 25 yards to leave Peter Hanson in goal with no chance.

Not downheartened, St Albans continued to pressure but Craig Mackail-Smith and Chris Bergin both wasted chances before City finally drew level. Chris Seeby got in a cross for Bergin to convert well from 18 yards out.

The home side seemed to take control of the match into the second half, and Greg Deacon deservedly fired City ahead when he scored from a free-kick, 20 yards out.

However, the goal merely seemed to spark the visitors into life and they grabbed an equaliser when Hanson fumbled Adam Hill's low cross to leave Gavin Grant with an empty net.

With Saints pushing for the winner, Wealdstone broke through James Duncan who played Danny Gibbs in to claim a dramatic late winner and the vital three points.

October 19, 2001 13:03