St Albans City produced a stunning performance on national television as they progressed to the second round of the FA Cup.

The Saints shocked their high-flying league opponents to record a 3-2 victory cueing a pitch invasion at the final whistle.

The tie against Forest Green Rovers was broadcast live on BBC Two and Clarence Park was absolutely full with more than 4,000 fans packing into the ground and roaring on the team.

And there were delirious scenes at full time after striker Shaun Jeffers' 78th minute winner. 

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Fans celebrate on the pitch after St Albans' 3-2 victory over Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup 1st round. Credit: PAFans celebrate on the pitch after St Albans' 3-2 victory over Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup 1st round. Credit: PA

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Two young City fans showing their support. Credit: PATwo young City fans showing their support. Credit: PA

Sixth-tier St Albans survived late Forest Green pressure with goalkeeper Michael Johnson making two crucial saves while he was also helped by vital blocks from outfield players.

Tonight's victory is just the Saints' second ever over league opposition, putting them into the second round where they will attempt to reach the third round for the first time in the club's history.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Matchwinner Shaun Jeffers and manager Ian Allison after the 3-2 win. Credit: PAMatchwinner Shaun Jeffers and manager Ian Allison after the 3-2 win. Credit: PA

Speaking after the game, matchwinner Jeffers told BBC Sport: "This is amazing, this is what dreams are made of.

"We had Forest Green at home and they're top of the league and flying.

"But we always knew we had a chance, we were unbeaten in 14, now 15 games and we're on a good run so we always felt confident."

St Albans & Harpenden Review: St Albans striker Shaun Jeffers, right, celebrates putting St Albans 3-2 up. Credit: PASt Albans striker Shaun Jeffers, right, celebrates putting St Albans 3-2 up. Credit: PA

St Albans, whose line-up included an engineer, postman, and personal shopper went into the match full of confidence but went behind on 18 minutes when Matty Stevens scored for the away side from close range.

But the match was soon turned on its head when Mitchell Weiss headed in John Goddard's cross before carpenter Zane Banton dribbled in the box and tucked the ball past Luke McGee to put the home side up after 28 minutes. 

St Albans & Harpenden Review: The St Albans team celebrate going 2-1 up. Credit: PAThe St Albans team celebrate going 2-1 up. Credit: PA

Forest Green Rovers looked for an equaliser and Jordan Moore-Taylor hit the bar before Jack Aitchison levelled in first-half stoppage time.

The second-half was less action-packed but it was extremely competitive. And as the league side searched for a winner, St Albans stole the headlines after Jeffers coolly placed the ball into the net on 78 minutes after a slip by Rovers' Kane Wilson. 

St Albans & Harpenden Review: St Albans City celebrate their historic FA Cup victory. Credit: PASt Albans City celebrate their historic FA Cup victory. Credit: PA

There were a few nervy moments for the home fans to contend with but there was sheer joy when former Premier League referee Bobby Madley blew the final whistle. 

The Saints' players were mobbed by jubilant supporters which was captured by fans across the country.

The draw for the second round will take place on Monday evening.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Clarence Park was absolutely bouncing. Credit: PAClarence Park was absolutely bouncing. Credit: PA

St Albans & Harpenden Review: A City fan celebrates the giantkilling victory. Credit: PAA City fan celebrates the giantkilling victory. Credit: PA

Manager Ian Allinson said the result was "fantastic for the city" adding: "We're so pleased for the club, the players, and the supporters because it's a great day for them and they've not had this many times."