A rampant St Albans side put West Herts Men’s Firsts to the sword on Saturday as they sent the Stags to a 5-1 defeat on the road.

A highly-organised Tangerines outfit were in command from the off as their pressing game put Herts on the back foot.

While a resolute defensive display, which was shepherded by Ali Sargen, kept St Albans at bay for a while, they were eventually breached and went in 2-0 down at the interval.

A penalty corner yielded a third for the hosts soon after the restart before Aaron Mitchell hit back with a breakaway goal.

The strike proved to be little more than a brief respite for the Stags and St Albans’ greater fitness meant they were able to score twice more before the close.

Things don’t get any easier for Herts when they host East League Premier A division pace-setters Wapping in their next outing.

The Ladies Firsts were also in action against St Albans in an altogether tighter game which ended all-square at 1-1.

They battled hard against the Tangerines’ reserve outfit and will have been pleased with the reward of an East League Premier Division point.

While it was a personally productive weekend for Luke Frey, the Men’s Seconds are still in search of a victory this season.

Frey netted a hat-trick in their 6-4 defeat against Bourne Deeping to add to a solitary effort from James Holliday.

The Thirds also paid the price for a leaky defence as they were thrashed 7-1 by Royston Firsts at the New Field.

Nils Mundy offered the sole positive on a bleak afternoon as he scored the Stags’ only goal of the game.

Meanwhile, the Fourths were in action against Potters Bar and enjoyed the rare luxury of a fully-fit squad to choose from compared to Bar’s threadbare 11.

Skipper Hayden Langford continued his fine goalscoring run this term to give Herts the lead before Bar levelled against the run of play.

A fiery second half saw Bar reduced to 10 men and Herts took full advantage as Scott Biddle scored the winning goal with a finish which gave the keeper no chance.

West Herts Fifths dominated their meeting with Blueharts and cruised to a resounding 5-0 victory.

Tim Jackson scored twice to add to goals from Joe Corless and Stuart Day in the rout.