Hertfordshire rivals Saint Albans City and Watford go head to head at Clarence Park, in a pre-season friendly that should attract big crowds to the Conference South side. The home team achieved promotion from the Southern Football League last term while the Hornets partook in a dismal campaign compared to that of 2013, when they reached the play-off final.

Both go into this game with two different mindsets. The former can afford to be excited ahead of a new life in a more prestigious league, a level the Saints have failed to amount to since 2011. While the Golden Boys are chomping at the bit to put things right, after finishing 13th in England’s second division.

St Albans have enjoyed rich preparation for their opening game with Hayes and Yeading on August 9. A 6-2 victory over Dagenham and Redbridge’s youngsters, managed by former City and Watford midfielder Micah Hyde, set them on the right track before wins over Wingate and Finchley and Harrow Borough respectively.

Giuseppe Sannino’s men have travelled abroad to Austria in an attempt to raise brand awareness and get match fitness up to scratch. With eight goals scored and none conceded the squad returned to the country for a clash with Shrewsbury Town in Shropshire, but let a two goal lead slip. A further run out against London outfit Boreham Wood on Thursday night has put the Yellow Army in good stead going into this one.

Manager James Gray told the Herts Advertiser, “It will be a massive test, it doesn’t matter if they bring their starting line-up or a team made up of first and second year professionals because, as a Championship club, they have quality throughout the ranks.”

Gray went onto state he was unhappy with the performance of his back four across all three fixtures. Letting in six goals in three games against seemingly inferior opposition will not appease himself or joint manager Graham Goulds. The club ordinarily bring the game to their foes but will know a tight defensive display will be needed to keep out a Watford team that have been heavily praised for their passing football in recent years.

A strong starting eleven is expected to be named by the visitors. Stellar signings brought in this summer consist of Matej Vydra, Ecuador international Juan Carlos Paredes, Lloyd Dyer and former Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes. Many are expected to be given a run out with the use of unlimited substitutions favouring the Championship side. Whether fans will catch a glimpse of Troy Deeney is currently up in the air, the striker has been subject to numerous bids from the Premier League's finest and was absent for the 1-0 win over Boreham Wood earlier in the week. Those concerned of his whereabouts needn't bother, family issues are reportedly the reasoning behind his ommision.

Scoring on 61 occasions in just four seasons, the 25-year-old would be imperative to any promotion push his club are targeting. Big name goalscorers don’t just stop there, John Frendo of City netted 43 times in all competitions during the 2013/14 season but has looked sluggish in the two friendlies he has started thus far. Getting up for a game such as this shouldn't be too difficult as he looks to pose a threat to defenders with the class of Gabriele Angella and co.

Donning the new kit and presenting a revamped mascot this Saturday may hold more importance to the long term future of the club than this friendly. The result itself is irrelevant on paper but a shock win will flood the lower league side full of confidence, if they needed it. The last time these two met was four years ago, both have come on leaps and bounds since then, on the pitch as well as off it, and will be hoping to continue such progression in the season ahead.

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About the author
Conor de Smith
Trying to make it in journalism. Contributing to VAVEL since July 2013.