Newly promoted St Albans City are well into their pre-season schedule as they prepare to face their biggest test yet ahead of their upcoming Conference South campaign.

Their Southern League Play-Off final tie last season saw the side secure promotion with a 3-1 victory against Chesham.

The Saints welcome Watford to Clarence Park this afternoon in a friendly match likely to be the toughest game in their preparations for the new season.

City, co-managed by James Gray and Graham Golds, have been in decent form during their pre-season campaign after an opening 2-0 loss to Solihill Moors.

Their first victory was a 6-2 drubbing of Dagenham & Redbridge XI – which saw goals from new signings Lee Clarke and Loick Pires.

The goal-fest continued when St Albans put a further eight past Wingate & Finchley, with Clarke's ruthless strike among the pick of the goals.

Steve Wales inspired the Saints in their most recent outing – scoring his second brace in two games in a 2-1 victory away to Harrow Borough.

Pre-season fixtures against Dunstable Town, Eastleigh and Stevenage remain and Wales will be hoping to maintain his impressive scoring form along with last season’s 30-goal hero John Frendo.

The club open their Conference South campaign at home to Hayes & Yeading United on Saturday, August 9, with City’s first away test coming against Staines Town on Tuesday, August 12.