St Albans City win 3-0 at Dartford in National League South

Saints won 3-0 at Dartford with three second-half goals and the boss was delighted to see the progress after a tough November that had seen them plummet down the table.

He said: "I'm as happy as a win on the road makes people feel. But to do it in the manner we did, that was extra special.

"It's nice to score goals but a clean sheet is like a goal for defenders and goalkeepers.

"Here it is for everyone . You defend with 11 and you attack with 11.

"The first goal was superb. The ball drops down and Shaun spins off the shoulder and Mitch finds him with a lovely pass.

"In my mind I'm thinking 'lob the keeper first time' but he took a touch and then lobbed it and that settled the nerves."

There was praise for the second goalscorer too, Michael Clark on his return to the starting line-up, as well as an "exceptional" performance from on-loan Cambridge United youngster, George Hoddle.

Noble said: "Clarky was immense. We know Dartford's style is physical and strong and they load balls into your box.

"We needed him in there and he was superb defensively.

"Then to pop up with a goal too, and it was a bullet that header.

"If you want to score goals, you have to attack the ball and you have to move with pace and have the desire to get your head on it.

"He had all of those things.

"George is an exceptional footballer. If I'm asking the boys to do something slightly different or play in a position they are not quite used to, football is football.

"The same things matter wherever you play and George is a player who understands football.

"He was superb at right wing back or right wing and then moved into the 10 and played in the pivot."

And the good news does not stop there for Saints who now have back-to-back games with Hemel Hempstead Town to come.

"Zane [Banton] is imminent," said Noble. "It is difficult not to get excited and just chuck him in. You need to manage the boy.

"He'll be involved very soon and then it is about building him up."