St Albans City joint manager James Gray insisted it was just “fine lines” that went against his team in Saturday’s 2-0 home loss to Boreham Wood in the Vanarama Conference South.

Ricky Shakes netted in the third minute and Junior Morias scored late on to wrap up the points, but, for most of the game, the Saints carried the bigger threat with John Frendo, Cameron Lancaster, Steve Wales and Charlie Smith looking dangerous as a front four.

Speaking after the game, Gray said: “We switched off early and fell asleep slightly [at the end] when we’re chasing the game. In between times we weren’t that far off.

“We had them on the rocks and panicking in the second half but we couldn’t get the goal. If we could have got it, I believe we would have won the game because they were rocking and had a good energy about us.

“It’s unfortunate but that’s football. I couldn’t ask much more from the lads. I’m disappointed with the result but performance-wise I thought we matched them around the pitch.”

The difference between the sides, according to Gray, was the strikers. Wood had two good chances and scored them both while City were left with hands on heads after numerous goal-scoring opportunities went begging.

Their centre-forwards stick it in the net when they get the opportunity. I’m not saying we can’t do that but we need to do it more regular basis,” he said. “We’re not getting enough return for the chances we’re creating. It’s something we’re working hard at [correcting].

“Last season [in the Southern League], you create a lot more chances but this season we might only get two or three in a game and we need to take a good share of them.”