Manager Jon Meakes pointed to the errors against Tonbridge Angels as being analogous of their season - saying it was the regular occurrence of them that cost St Albans City a place in the National League South play-offs.

City drew 2-2 on the final day of the campaign, finishing the year in 11th after just five points from their last eight games.

Herts Advertiser: Shaun Jeffers got the final goal of the season for St Albans City. Picture: PETER SHORTShaun Jeffers got the final goal of the season for St Albans City. Picture: PETER SHORT (Image: Peter Short)

Dom Hutchinson and Shaun Jeffers got the goals in Kent that twice put them in front, only to concede each time in avoidable circumstances.

"It wasn't an end of season game," said the boss. "I had wanted to get three points and a clean sheet but we didn't achieve that, although it wasn't through a lack of trying.

"I thought we played well but again, our Achilles' heel is we've given them two goals.

"Their first was another set-piece where we have not looked after the ball in the first place, before the corner, and then we've given them a free header and not reacted.

"We've then gone up the other end and played some really good football, got in behind and then its a lovely finish for 2-1.

"That should have been game over. There were a couple of half chances where if we've played the right ball, we're in and it's 3-1.

"Then you don't leave yourself exposed [to conceding again] and we then had the error from Michael Johnson at the end and they get it back to 2-2.

"You have to keep the back door closed. They've had a bit of possession but they have not caused us problems. We've caused our own.

"That's why we have dropped the points we have and why we are not in the play-offs."

Thoughts now turn to the new season and Meakes sys the majority of the squad are coming back for another tilt at the post-season party.

He said: "Most of the boys have been spoken to and everyone is staying that I've spoken to.

"That takes a lot of pressure off the pre-season. We can just focus on bringing in the two or three targets that we want.

"The good thing is we have got most of the squad. The start of this season was obviously a complete restart, only five players that we carried forward and so it took a little while to bed in.

"The response since Christmas, with the change of manager from the boys has been fantastic, they kept playing and we aren't far off.

"We just have to make sure we are more solid at the back, a more solid defensive unit working together, rather than having to make changes for injuries.

"Then we'll get more continuity and we'll give it a good go next season."