If the late defeat to Truro was one point dropped then St Albans City’s 3-2 loss at Dartford was three points dropped according to manager Ian Allinson.

Herts Advertiser: Michael Clark gets up to meet the ball. Picture: LEIGH PAGEMichael Clark gets up to meet the ball. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

Saints had twice come from behind as they sides turned round at Princes Park level at 2-2.

Herts Advertiser: Tom Bender congratulates Zane Banton on his equaliser. Picture: LEIGH PAGETom Bender congratulates Zane Banton on his equaliser. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

But after spurning a number of chances early in the second period, Saints were hit by another late sucker punch as smashed home an 88th-minute winner.

Herts Advertiser: The Dartford defence closes on Zane Banton. Picture: LEIGH PAGEThe Dartford defence closes on Zane Banton. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

Allinson said: “We showed great character to come back twice and should have gone on and won the game.

Herts Advertiser: David Moyo wins an aeriel battle. Picture: LEIGH PAGEDavid Moyo wins an aeriel battle. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

“We’ve had two or three great chances in the first 15 minutes of the second half and their keeper has made some good saves with his feet to keep them in it.

Herts Advertiser: David Moyo tries to find a way through the Dartford defence. Picture: LEIGH PAGEDavid Moyo tries to find a way through the Dartford defence. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

“And then we went too long and tried to force it and we didn’t have to do that as we were in control.

Herts Advertiser: Michael Clark has a shot blocked. Picture: LEIGH PAGEMichael Clark has a shot blocked. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

“It allowed them back into the game and unfortunately we’ve give it away.

Herts Advertiser: Lewis Knight attacks the ball. Picture: LEIGH PAGELewis Knight attacks the ball. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

“I didn’t see then getting anything out of the game with 15 minutes to go but full credit to them, they stuck to their guns and the one chance they really got, he finished it really well.

Herts Advertiser: Michael Clark heads the ball clear. Picture: LEIGH PAGEMichael Clark heads the ball clear. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

“But it was a sloppy goal to give away from our point of view because we stopped competing for the final 20 minutes.

Herts Advertiser: Dean Snedker tips the ball round the post. Picture: LEIGH PAGEDean Snedker tips the ball round the post. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

“I’ve come away disappointed because I didn’t think they were going to get anything out of it and if we’d come away with a draw I’d have been disappointed.”

Herts Advertiser: Lewis Knight heads clear. Picture: LEIGH PAGELewis Knight heads clear. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

Zane Banton got the first equaliser, sweeping in a David Moyo cross, while Sam Merson pounced for the second, taking a touch from a short-corner routine before rifling across goal and into the far corner.

Herts Advertiser: Zane Banton got the first St Albans City goal against Dartford. Picture: LEIGH PAGEZane Banton got the first St Albans City goal against Dartford. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

City had tried something similar at Truro which had been blocked but although the boss was happy with that goal, he knows they must improve defensively again.

Herts Advertiser: Tom Bender heads the ball toward the Dartford goal. Picture: LEIGH PAGETom Bender heads the ball toward the Dartford goal. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

He said: “[The corner] is stuff we’ve worked on and it’s really pleasing to see them come off in games but we can’t keep doing that and giving lazy goals away.

Herts Advertiser: Dave Diedhiou heads the ball toward the Dartford goal. Picture: LEIGH PAGEDave Diedhiou heads the ball toward the Dartford goal. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

“We’ve not defended well as a back four we are better than that.

Herts Advertiser: Sam Merson's strike is saved by the Dartford keeper. Picture: LEIGH PAGESam Merson's strike is saved by the Dartford keeper. Picture: LEIGH PAGE (Image: Copyright - Leigh Page 2019)

“Going forward we were a threat and I’m really pleased with the attitude and effort of the players over the last four weeks but we’ve let ourselves down with the defending in the last two games, which is disappointing.”