Saints will not underestimate bottom of the league Staines, says boss

St Albans City will not underestimate basement side Staines Town when they visit Clarence Park on Saturday, according to joint manager James Gray.

Nicky Forster’s side is fighting for its life at the foot of the Conference South table – one more loss and they will be relegated – but they recorded off a shock 1-0 win over league leaders Bromley last Saturday.

Gray called it a “great result” for Staines, but added that he was no more weary of the threat they pose now than he was beforehand, especially after his Saints narrowly won a back-and-fourth battle at Wheatsheaf Park in August.

We set up and prepare for every game in exactly the same way,” explained Gray. “It’s something we brought in this season and the lads’ attitude in the Conference South has been spot on.

“Staines have been on a bad run and had some bad defeats but from reports I’ve had, they’ve been lucky not to get something from their last four games. They’ve had chances and crucial turning points so they could have picked up more points.”

He added: “They’ll be fighting for their lives. We can send them down so we need to be on our guard. It’s another game of football. If we send them down it’s unfortunate but we’re here to win games for St Albans City.”

The last time the teams met, the Saints won 3-2 thanks to three quick-fire second-half goals, two from Steve Wales either side of one from John Frendo.

“That was early on and we were wet behind the ears. They finished eighth last season; so we thought we arrived after managing to get our first points on the road,” said Gray.

“Since then, they’ve not had a great season. But it was a tough game and could have been completely different, but the lads dug deep and that mentality has put us in good stead this season.”

Saturday’s game at Clarence Park kicks off at 3pm.