IF County’s performance at St Albans was not stamped with the hallmark of champions, their results are increasingly the sign of a side on their way to silverware.

Neutrals at Clarence Park will not depart with much to recall, but County have conceded just one goal in six away games in Blue Square South and ’keeper Glyn Thompson was again given a relatively quiet afternoon, though he came up trumps on the one occasion when the dominant defensive pairing of Cochlin and Thelwell was disturbed.

Dean Holdsworth was in a relaxed mood after the game: “I thought we were the better side in the first half, but I planned to give it an hour or so and then introduce the two substitutes, who were like little whippets,” he said.

“We were disappointed to lose in the FA Cup, but we are still unbeaten in the league.

“We were capable right through the side and I thought that Paul Cochlin was outstanding.”

Dover and Thurrock both won to keep up the pressure behind County, who are now nine points clear of Braintree, who are in sixth place, immediately outside the play-off zone.

The Exiles could lose their spot as top dogs on Tuesday evening, however, when Dover entertain Basingstoke in a fixture brought forward.

A win would take the Kent side a point clear of County, who will have a game in hand.