Maidenhead & Windsor

Matt Hann celebrates with City fans at Maidenhead

Winger Matt Hann further underlined his impressive form this season with a double strike on Saturday at Maidenhead as Saints clambered back to the top of the Conference South.

Hann took his tally to eight league goals for the season and he could have had more after being denied by some tremendous goalkeeping in both the Eastleigh and Yeading matches recently. City manager Colin Lippiatt praised the winger for his form. He said: "He was definitely my Man of the Match at Maidenhead. I'm not sure I can explain the difference from last season but all I can say is that he seems to come back much fresher, sharper, stronger and more focussed. He has been outstanding."

The thumping 4-0 win for Saints meant Maidenhead had conceded 12 goals in their last two games, with City scoring nine, illustrating the difference between top and bottom. Lippiatt felt the win that took St Albans two points clear at the top could have been even more convincing. He said: "Maybe the scoreline flattered them a bit. With respect, as they are struggling, I don't think Paul Bastock was really troubled and their goalkeeper made some excellent saves. They started slightly better than us and had one difficult half chance before we scored. Once we went in front though, and at 3-0 at half time, it was game set and match. We then had to make sure we were focussed and kept a clean sheet."

The goal difference column has received a boost during the last two matches and goals have flowed, even with top scorer Lee Clarke on the bench. Lippiatt said: "If you take the last two games we have scored nine and conceded two. That is a big factor. Lee Clarke has gone through a bit of a stale period but in the last two games it has been important that the goals have been shared about."

St Albans City take on Farnborough Town in what should be an exciting clash at Clarence Park on Saturday. Left back Lee Flynn is available for the final match of his loan period and City skipper Scott Cousins is back from suspension. The City boss praised the contribution of Flynn. He said: "Lee has got better and better since he came. He just needed games, he is a very good player and has done well for us."

In a tactical adjustment, Sean Hankin played at right back at Maidenhead United instead of Anthony Allman who impressed against Yeading. Lippiatt explained his decision. He said: "Sean Hankin came in at right back because we wanted to make sure that first and foremost the back four as a unit were defenders. Hankin is aggressive, decisive in the air and he will defend."

Herts Advertiser Maidenhead ~ 17 November 2005