Joint St Albans City manager James Gray gave a scything analysis of his side after seeing them lose 2-1 to Stourbridge on Saturday.

Herts Advertiser: Mark Nwokeji can not direct his header towards goal. Picture by Leigh PageMark Nwokeji can not direct his header towards goal. Picture by Leigh Page (Image: Archant)

Saints gave away two “cheap” goals either side of half-time on their way to a second consecutive loss at Clarence Park. Even a late consolation goal, John Frendo’s shot deflecting in off Aaron Drake, did little to lighten Gray’s mood.

“I’m deflated right now,” he admitted.

“The lads are licking their wounds but you have to go out there for 90 minutes and give it your all and I don’t feel we did that today.

“I’m disappointed with the overall performance. I didn’t feel like Stourbridge were a great side but they were workman-like and physical throughout while we didn’t do enough to earn any points.

“The two cheap goals gave us a mountain to climb. We were getting on top when they scored the second; it was a killer blow.”

He added: “It’s back-to-back losses; something has to change. It may be a pep talk because we’re leaving [points] on the pitch and certain individuals are not doing enough.”

Gray gave a debut to Leyton Orient loanee Harrison Georgiou from the bench while Victor Osobu, City’s other recent acquisition, was in the starting line-up.

Despite the new faces, and the return of Greg Ngoyi this Saturday, Gray revealed he would be looking to bring more players to Clarence Park, especially in the wake of Aston Goss, Aryan Tajbakhsh and Layne Eadie being released.

“I feel we’re lacking in certain areas so I’m looking to eradicate that while strengthening the squad,” he explain.

“Layne, Aston, Aryan were looking for guarantees that they would play and I can’t give them that. We wish them well and thank them for their efforts.”

In regards to Eadie, Gray said “I brought in Lee Chappell and he’s done well. I told Layne that unless Lee suffered an injury then he isn’t going to feature.

“I tried to dual register him but he wanted a clean break and I respect him for that.”

Eadie has since signed for Harlow Town but Gray refused to close the door on him rejoining the club at some point in the future.