Carl Mensah began spell number three with Welwyn Garden City with a bang – and he is hoping this season can be the one where he finally puts down roots.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - Carl Mensah celebrates scoring for WGC. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - Carl Mensah celebrates scoring for WGC. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

The big defender re-joined the Citizens just over a week ago and after playing in the club’s final pre-season friendly at Hertford Town, he popped up with the second in the 2-0 success against Saffron Walden Town.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - Jesse Walklin for WGC battles with Lewis Francis for Saffron Walden Town. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - Jesse Walklin for WGC battles with Lewis Francis for Saffron Walden Town. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

The result means City made it through to the first qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2015 and got their first win in the famous competition since 2016.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - George Ironton in action for WGC. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - George Ironton in action for WGC. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

And the big defender’s goal was foretold to him before kick-off – by City’s own Mystic Meg, manager Nick Ironton.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - Carl Mensah celebrates scoring for WGC. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - Carl Mensah celebrates scoring for WGC. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“Nick did say I was going to score to be fair so I’m delighted,” said Mensah with a smile. “I’m happy with the goal and I’m happy to have got through.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - Manager Nick Ironton and assistant Ricci Crace on the WGC bench.Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - Manager Nick Ironton and assistant Ricci Crace on the WGC bench.Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“It is nice to come back and to start with the FA Cup and a goal is great. To get through to the next round is good for the club.”

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - Robbie Buchanan celebrates scoring for WGC 1-0. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - Robbie Buchanan celebrates scoring for WGC 1-0. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

Being a defender the goal and victory were almost overshadowed by the nil next to the Bloods name and Mensah said his knowledge of the club, the team and the players has been a big help in an almost seamless re-introduction.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - Robbie Buchanan celebrates scoring for WGC 1-0. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - Robbie Buchanan celebrates scoring for WGC 1-0. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

He said: “The clean sheet is important. We were 2-0 up and we knew they were going to come out strong and we did that.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - Jack Bradshaw for WGC. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - Jack Bradshaw for WGC. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“We limited them to shots from outside the box and they didn’t really have many chances.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - Jon Sexton of WGC. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - Jon Sexton of WGC. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“We had a good shape and defensively we were sound.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - Goal scored by Carl Mensah for WGC. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - Goal scored by Carl Mensah for WGC. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“I’ve played with Jay [Rolfe] for a long time, I’ve played with a few of these boys for a long time so I haven’t had to settle in and anything like that.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - Carl Mensah celebrates scoring for WGC. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - Carl Mensah celebrates scoring for WGC. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“It was good to be back with the boys and it feels like I’ve never been away.”

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - Jack Noble for Saffron Walden Town battles with Malcolm Podier for WGC. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - Jack Noble for Saffron Walden Town battles with Malcolm Podier for WGC. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

And now he wants to kick on, both as a team and an individual.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - Carl Mensah celebrates scoring for WGC. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - Carl Mensah celebrates scoring for WGC. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“We need to improve on last season,” he said. “We want to push on and see how far we can go.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town - Goal attempt by Jesse Walklin for WGC. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town - Goal attempt by Jesse Walklin for WGC. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“When we’re on our game we are a match for any team.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: WGC V Saffron Walden Town -Reece Paine of Saffron Walden Town denies Elliot Bailey. Picture: Karyn HaddonWGC V Saffron Walden Town -Reece Paine of Saffron Walden Town denies Elliot Bailey. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“Hopefully we will be one our game more often than not and we can give the league a good run for its money.

“Personally, I just want to have a good run and have a good season.

“Last year I was bouncing around a few clubs so hopefully I’ll stay with Welwyn and finish the season well.”