Isthmian League Premier Division side St Albans City rolled into town for what promised to be a mouthwatering Emirates FA Cup Third Qualifying Round clash at Ashton's Stadium, and despite The Woods' dominance, the tie was far from thrilling.

The hosts started the tie on the front foot against a side that sits two divisions higher in the English football pyramid, but with ten minutes on the clock, a foul by Dion Johnston saw referee Zachary Cunningham award a penalty to The Saints. Harrison Smith, who won the spot-kick, stepped up and converted it, sending Manny Agboola the wrong way and settling the early nerves.

St Albans' opener didn't deter Shane Baptiste's side, and just nine minutes later, Malaki Toussaint came agonisingly close with a dipping free-kick from 30 yards out, which forced goalkeeper Magnus Norman into a low save. Ollie Sotoyinbo glanced a header over the bar just a matter of moments later, in what proved to be the only other opportunity of the half.

After the interval, it was the same story as the first half, with Woodford setting their mark on the tie as they looked for a way back into the contest. David Gokou caused havoc down the left in the opening stages, teeing up James Jewers for a long-range strike which was blazed over, before delivering multiple dangerous crosses, which a player in yellow and blue struggled to get on the end.

Kahlil Kirwan-Meade, who was named Player of the Match, tested Norman with a header which was saved, before Normand Kebi saw a huge chance blocked in the nick of time, with his shot destined for the bottom corner. As the clock ticked away, the intensity fizzled out, and St Albans City held on to ensure a safe passage into the Fourth Qualifying Round.

For Woodford, it brings an end to their best run in the competition since 1986, when they were defeated by Leyton Orient in the First Round. Whilst the run is over, it will be fondly looked back on, with unforgettable memories made along the way.

Starting XI: E. Agboola; Owusu (C (Steele - 90')), Kirwan-Meade, John; Johnston (Ipanga - 60'), Jewers, Toussaint (Kozak - 76'), Kebi, Gokou (Mitchell-Nelson - 90'); Christou (Protic - 76'), Sotoyinbo.

Unusued substitutes: Chinyere (GK), M. Agboola

Attendance: 477