CHELMSFORD City boss Glenn Pennyfather has called on his players to show an immediate response when St Albans City visit the Melbourne Stadium tonight (7.45pm ko).

The Clarets lost 3-1 at Farnborough after three second half goals ended their proud unbeaten run of 12 games.

But they have a chance to bounce straight back in the Blue Square Bet South, knowing a win against their lowly opponents could return them to second in the league.

Pennyfather is urging his players to start a brand new unbeaten run in a bid to overhaul Braintree Town at the top.

He said: “We had a tough game on Saturday and we’ll have another tonight. We have to make sure we’re at our best for 90 minutes of every game because when you’re near the top you’re up there to be shot at. St Albans haven’t had the best start but they won’t be easy as every side in this league is capable of taking points off any other.”

Pennyfather has some selection posers with Dave Rainford expected to be out for another fortnight with his hamstring injury as well as striker Rob Edmans who continues to suffer with a groin strain.

But midfielders Ricky Modeste and John Martin should be passed fit along with central defender Adam Tann, who suffered a nasty cut to the back of his knee during Saturday’s defeat in Hampshire.

St Albans were also beaten at the weekend, 2-1 at home to Ebbsfleet United, with the team only securing one victory in the league so far this season.

However that win was at much-fancied Havant & Waterlooville in September so Chelmsford will need to remain on their guard. They also include ex-City defender Ben Martin in their ranks.