Joint manager Graham Golds praised his side for learning from their recent defeat to Hayes & Yeading United after St Albans City dumped their opponents out of the FA Cup.

The Saints were beaten at home to United on the opening day of the season but avenged this defeat on Sunday after a 1-0 away victory in the second qualifying round of the competition.

Golds said: “We had to win the battles all over the park, all the players had their own personal battles across the pitch.

“It was nice to get one back on them but we didn’t turn up on the day in the first game and they were deserved winners.

“It was nice to see the boys learn from the first game and put right what we asked them to. They all stood up the challenge.” Golds continued: “It was a good performance. We knew quite a lot about them from the first game when we felt they outbattled us and wanted it more than us. But we felt that if we matched them then we have the better players. Everyone put in a real shift to help us get into the next round.

“It was a tough draw for us away from home against a side that had already beaten us this season. We were delighted to come away with a win and also avoid having to go to a replay.”

He added: “We had a bit of bad luck when we had a disallowed goal. Then they attacked and we had to get about three blocks in by throwing bodies on the line. But I always felt confident we would at least get a replay and they didn’t really threaten us too much in open play.”

The Saints have been rewarded with a home tie against Brackley Town in the next round and Golds hopes the side can emulate their run to the first round proper from last season.

He said: “We love the FA Cup. We had a good run in it last season getting to the first round proper and it would be great if we could achieve that again this season.

“It was nice to get a home draw which is what we wanted. It could have been a kinder draw but also could have been worse as well. We’re confident and we’ll take that draw and with the support behind us to look to get into the next round.”

St Albans have sent Loick Pires out on loan to Biggleswade Town for a month and Golds believes the attacker will benefit from this move.

The Saints joint boss said: “He needs game time because he’s been on the bench a lot recently. He needs to go out and play and get his confidence back. It’s been difficult because he’s had injury problems so it’s taken him a while to get up to speed but that won’t happen if he is only getting a bit of game time with us.”

St Albans have made a promising start to the Conference South season following promotion but Golds is not getting carried away.

He said: “If someone had said we would be three points off the top after ten games we would have snapped their hands off. It is no fluke and we’re there on merit.

“We’ve done well so far but we won’t let it go to our heads. It’s been a great start to the season but we can’t afford to get complacent because that’s when results go against you.”

The Saints host Chelmsford City in the league this weekend before travelling to leaders Boreham Wood on Monday.