Welwyn FC laid their hoodoo to rest against St Margaretsbury, the club against whom they have their worst SSML record, with a 3-1 midweek home win.

The Saints may currently lie fourth bottom of the table, but historically they have always had the edge over WGC.

In 24 meetings since 1998-99, the Citizens had won just five prior to this win and had lost 14, and WGC had to overcome two penalties given against them by match referee Jeff Aldous in this game.

The victory puts Adam Fisher’s side a point behind Wembley in the quest for the coveted fourth spot, that gains exemption through two rounds of next season’s FA Vase. At the moment, five points separate six teams, bidding for fourth place.

Manager Fisher made changes from the fine win at Hertford. Goalkeeper Ollie Leslie replaced Jack Metcalfe and in midfield George Brinkman returned after suspension and Craig Arnott came in for teenager Charlie Rome, who was on the bench.

On 14 minutes, WGC were ahead. Josh Bronti chased an overhit cross out of the area and laid it square for Arnott to take it down and volley home.

Bronti brought a tip-over save from Saints’ keeper Adam Seymour and when the visitors’ Jordan Mackenzie got clear of the home defence and also tried his luck, Leslie had to do the same.

Then on 37 minutes, Mr Aldous awarded the first penalty, as Dan Di Lieto went down in a tangle of legs with WGC full-back Paul Morris and although Wade’s spot-kick was beaten away by a full length save the rebound went straight back to the taker who rammed it home.

Young full-back Will McClelland hit a dipping volley just past a post at the start of the second-half, but eight minutes after the restart St Mags were awarded a second spot-kick, again for a foul on Di Lieto, but Wade hit it wide.

Taishan Griffith, recovered after a recent car accident, replaced Coughlan on the hour and moments later, keeper Seymour made an outstanding double save with his legs.

On 64 minutes the keeper was beaten when Bronti teed up Brinkman for a low strike before, late on, Campbell ran through and finished with a sweet effort to ensure three crucial points.

WGC: Leslie, McClelland, Coughlan (Griffith 60), Payne, Morris, Brinkman, Long, Arnott (Rome 79), Bronti, Kersey, Campbell (Araba 88).