St Albans City drew a blank in their first away friendly of the summer on Tuesday when battling out a goalless draw with Southern League Division One Central champions King’s Langley at Gaywood Park.

Both sides had chances to claim victory but on a most un-July-like evening it was good 90 minutes for the respective goalkeepers.

Results of friendly matches may be completely inconsequential but City will be disappointed not to have found the target against the fast-rising home side that has won promotion for each of the past two seasons.

City’s best chances during the opening half fell the way of summer signings Junior Morias and Matt Ball.

Morias had a close range effort blocked by the home keeper before putting the rebound over the top and Ball, too, fired a point blank shot high over the crossbar after a Billy Gibson free kick had been spilled by the keeper.

Matt Whichelow, who looked useful down the right flank, struck the outside of an upright just prior to the interval after being teed up by Morias.

Clear chances were less obvious after the break although Rhys Hoenes gave a glimpse of his penalty-winning ability with one cracking run at the home defence that ended with him being unceremoniously dumped on the edge of the penalty area.

Louie Theophanous landed the ensuing free kick amongst the jungle-like mass of weeds and tall grass behind the home goal.

The match was hardly a classic but there were some encouraging moments for the Saints.

In goal for the opening 45 minutes was a trialist who made two good saves while defender Andrew Iwediuno also left a good impression.

City supporters were given their first sighting of the summer of Shaun Lucien, signed from Wealdstone, Lee Chappell and former Kettering Town and Arlesey Town player Harley Kelly.

St Albans continue their run of warm up matches on Saturday, 16th July, when they play host to an Under-21 Watford XI.

Kick off at Clarence Park is at 3pm.

St Albans City: Trialist, Sc.Thomas, A.Iwediuno, B.Gibson, J.Hill, B.Martin, M.Whichelow, L.Chappell, M.Ball, J.Morias, S.Lucien, subs used; J.Russell, B.Herd, L.Theophanous, T.Bender, I.Rees, R.Hoenes, H.Kelly.