Rovers’ 2021/22 FA Cup campaign begins this Sunday as they take on St Albans City at Clarence Park.

Here’s all you need to know about Rovers’ National League South opponents.

MEET THE MANAGER: IAN ALLINSON

Most notably a former player for Arsenal and ColchesterUnited, Ian Allinson is an experienced non-league football manager who has been the Saints boss for well over five years.

His first job in management saw him player-manage Baldock Town near his home town of Hitchin before managing Bedfordshire based Stotfold for six years.

Jobs with Harlow Town, Barton Rovers and Boreham Wood followed in the early 2000’s.

After two further stints with Stotfold, Allinson returned to Boreham Wood where he gained success, guiding them to two promotions to the National League where they still reside today.

Allinson became St Albans City manager in February of 2016 and is trying to get the Saints back to the National League for the first time since 2007.

KEY PLAYER: SHAUN JEFFERS

Shaun Jeffers has been an integral part of St Albans’ success this season scoring 14 goals in the league and three on their FA Cup journey so far.

The forward came through the ranks at Coventry making a handful of appearances for the Sky Blues in the Championship alongside loan spells at Tamworth, Cambridge United and Cheltenham Town.

Jeffers moved on to have seasons with Peterborough, Newport County and Yeovil and now hasn’t played in the Football League since 2016.

A successful season with Chelmsford paved the way for a move to Boreham Wood before the 29 year old went back to Essex two years later.

Jeffers was released by Chelmsford in 2020 and joined the Saints a few months later becoming one of their key players.

FORM

16/10/21 - Corinthian Casuals 1-1 St Albans City

19/10/21 - St Albans City 1-1 Corinthian Casuals (4-2 after penalties)

23/10/21 - Bath City 0-2 St Albans City

26/10/21 - St Albans City 4-1 Billericay Town

30/10/21 - St Albans City 2-1 Eastbourne Borough

LAST TIME OUT

St Albans City won their fifth league game in a row as they defeated Eastbourne Borough 2-1 at Clarence Park last Saturday.

Late goals from John Goddard and Mitchell Weiss ensured the Saints turned the tie around to continue their rich vein of form.

It was the visitors who struck first in Hertfordshire as Charley Kendall latched on to a deep cross to put Borough ahead after just 15 minutes.

The travelling Eastbourne had a few chances to double their lead in the first half, but it was the hosts that dominated large parts of the match.

And with just under 10 minutes to go St Albans were deservedly back level. The in form Sean Jeffers found space in the box before picking out John Goddard, who steered his header into the far corner.

Just five minutes later and the comeback was complete as Goddard turned provider laying the ball on a plate to Mitchell Weiss, who tapped in from close range.

The win means the Saints currently sit second in the National League South table and are unbeaten since losing their opening two league games.