St Albans City have raided National League South play-off winners Braintree Town for two of their promotion heroes. 

Defender Lewis Miccio and midfielder Alfie Payne both played in the dramatic play-off final victory at Worthing, the Iron winning 4-3 after extra-time.

Payne played for the full 120 minutes while Miccio was a substitute, coming on after an hour, a minute before Braintree pulled it back to 2-2.

The 24-year-old Payne had been with the Iron since 2021, having previously played for King's Lynn Town on loan while he was at Norwich City's academy.

Lewis Miccio (left) has signed for St Albans City from Braintree Town. Picture: JON WEAVERLewis Miccio (left) has signed for St Albans City from Braintree Town. Picture: JON WEAVER (Image: JON WEAVER)

Miccio meanwhile had been a play-off winner 12 months prior to his success with the Essex club.

He played for Oxford City as they secured promotion with a 4-0 win over City, going on to make 12 appearances in the National League before his move to Braintree.

Sam Deadfield scores a penalty for Hampton & Richmond Borough against Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup in 2020. Picture: ADAM DAVY/PASam Deadfield scores a penalty for Hampton & Richmond Borough against Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup in 2020. Picture: ADAM DAVY/PA (Image: Adam Davy/PA)

The duo are part of three new faces at Saints.

Sam Deadfield, another midfielder, completes the trio,  having signed from another divisional rival, this time Hampton & Richmond Borough.

The 27-year-old played 38 times last season, scoring once.

They aren't the only ones to commit to David Noble's team, with four of last year's squad back for more.

Gio Rasulo, Micheal Johnson and Joe Partington have all re-signed, as has Zane Banton.

He is now the longest-serving player at the club having arrived from Luton Town in March 2017.

Not everyone is coming in though, with another two heading out of the club.

Ben Wyatt is a free agent after the expiry of his contract while defender Sam Brown is leaving after he was "unable to commit to remaining at Clarence Park".

Mitchell Weiss, Ryan Blackman and Kyran Wiltshire have already departed for other clubs in National League South.

City have also announced their pre-season line-up.

They will play home games against Leyton Orient before matches with youngsters from Tottenham Hotspur and Luton.

Their away matches sees them go to Royston Town, managed by ex-City man Chris Watters, and Hayes & Yeading United.

Saints will also play their delayed Herts Charity Cup final in pre-season.

They will now host Potters Bar Town on August 3, the original game having been set for a neutral venue.