St Albans City brought Barnet striker Jamal Lowe to Clarence Park on a three-month loan deal on Friday and James Gray says the Saints beat off competition from Skrill South sides to sign the youngster.

The 19-year-old had only just returned to Barnet from a stint at Hitchin Town but with four senior forwards and George Sykes ahead of him, regular first-team football with the Bees was unlikely.

The Saints were quick to move for the forward and he made an instant impact as he scored the winning goal in St Albans’ 3-2 win against St Neots Town on Saturday.

Gray said: “I kept an eye on Jamal ever since we played away at Hitchin because in that game he caused us a lot of problems.

“We are a local club to Barnet so Jamal can continue to train there during the week with the professionals and then train and play with us.

“I know there were a few Conference South sides interested in signing him but Paul Fairclough wanted to keep him at a local club.

“That gives Paul the chance to come and watch Jamal and hopefully he can help us during his time at the club.”

Gray continued: “We haven’t got any natural wide players and Jamal can do that as well as play up front. He is a young professional and made a good debut at the weekend.

“He has bags of pace and there is no doubt that he is a threat. He will just add to the quality we have already got in the squad.”

Lowe is a product of Barnet’s Academy and scored 19 goals for their youth team during the 2011/12 campaign.

He made his senior debut for the Bees in August 2012 and signed a professional contract in October last year.