Brentwood Town returned back to winning ways last night in a thrilling victory over St Albans City at Clarence Park.
The Saints produced a flurry of chances in the opening minutes when a volleyed effort from Kieran Gauthier was knocked over the bar, before captain Zane Banton found himself one-on-one with Melvin Minter and forced fingertips to deny an early lead.
Danny Ogunleye put The Blues ahead by pursuing a punishing run beyond the backline and tucked his effort into the far corner of goal, netting his 11th goal of the campaign.
Moments on, a penalty was awarded to the hosts and Banton converted from the spot to secure a swift equaliser.
However, Brentwood restored their lead as the ball fell to Benas Vaivada on the edge of the box, where he composedly converted under a precise, right-footed-half-volley beyond the gloves of Mackenzie Chapman.
He then came close to finding his second of the evening, with his curling strike down the left flank forced a tip-over the bar by Chapman.
The Saints once again drew level before the end of the half as Gauthier tapped home a close-range shot from a goal scramble.
The Blues commenced the second half dominant in the attack. A powerful effort from Kymani Thomas was deflected over the crossbar, before Jesse Olukolu burst down the left flank and delivered an in-swinging cross into the box, which was struck narrowly wide of the right post by Charlie Edwards.
Five minutes after being substituted onto the field, Sam Park had found the deciding goal as he flicked home the rebound attempt of Thomas down the centre of goal to provide The Blues with a compelling win on the road.
Brentwood Town are back at The Arena this Saturday as they welcome Hornchurch for the Second Round of the Isuzu FA Trophy.
By Michaela Georgopoulos
