Chelmsford came out second best against the Ryman Premier pacesetters, losing 1-0 to St Albans City at Clarence Park in the FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round.

It was Miguel de Souza's late goal that did the damage, as Paul Parker's Essex side held out for all but eight minutes of this tense clash.

Scott Oakes, a Cup hero of days gone by with Luton Town, tested Paul Nicholls in the City goal early on, while de Souza's tricky footwork found only Brian Statham a last line of defence.

At the other end, Chelmsford began to find their stride - former Luton team-mate of Oakes, Phil Gray, was the main target man, though he rarely escaped the attentions of a stout St Albans defence that was only once panicked in the first period when Danny Slatter's shot arrowed wide.

The remainder of the half burst into life with Duncan Roberts this time in the way of Slatter's 10-yard effort, and he followed this up in making an excellent stop from Ian Wiles when the midfielder found himself clean through.

Ryan Moran then had an effort against the post as the pace stepped up.

The second half proved a tense affair with neither side wanting to relinquish possession. Long spells of midfield dominance were interspersed with nothing more than half chances. That was, until, de Souza's late show.

Derek Brown's through ball found the former Birmingham City man all alone and he confidently beat Nicholls to end Chelmsford's Cup dream for another season.