A solitary goal from Dave Allmand-Smith helped Welwyn Garden City to a derby day victory over St Albans. 

The visitors only had to travel two-and-a-half miles from their Oaklands College home to Welwyn's Hertfordshire Sports Village-base but they left empty handed in the East Hockey League Division Two South West match after the goal just before half-time. 

WGC had started quickly and moved the ball around well in the opening stages and creating gaps in the St Albans line. 

The defence still had to be wary of the youthful Tangerines wingers who did cause trouble with their skilful play and movement but the home side held firm. 

They started to create chances too with long aerial balls by Bryn Evans and driving play from Mark Skilbeck. 

Allmand-Smith got through on several occasions only to be funnelled wide by the last Albans defender, making any shot a difficult one. 

Nate Last was having a similar lack of joy down the right and when they did get into the D, Welwyn couldn't find an open player. 

A long ball from Pete Mullens to Last saw him dance around several defenders and lay off a perfect pass to Oli Rowe in space but just as he was entering the D, the ball caught his foot and the opportunity was lost. 

But Welwyn kept at it and finally got the goal they were looking for. 

Nick Reilly took a free-hit on the left and drove towards the D before playing it into the middle. 

The ball deflected off a defenders stick and looped high across the D but was regained by Welwyn. 

And when that ball was crossed in, another deflection left the keeper stranded and Allmand Smith tapped it into an empty net. 

Saints almost hit back immediately but although the shot was well hit, Dan Klinger was able to tip it over the top. 

Saints had some penalty corners before the break too but they were either intercepted or saved. 

The second half was a similar affair with both teams keen to be the next to score and because of that the game got a bit more physical. 

Both sides had near misses, Allmand-Smith going closest again for Welwyn, but there was to be no further goals. 

The result leaves Welwyn firmly in mid-table, four points clear of Luton Town in eighth and three points adrift of Letchworth in sixth. 

They go to second-placed Stevenage on Saturday. 

Elsewhere in the club, the ladies' first-team drew 2-2 with Bedford with both second teams were victorious. 

The ladies' seconds are still unbeaten in Division Four South West but remain two points behind leaders Stevenage.