St Albans City chairman Nick Archer has expressed his disappointment that the club is failing to attract bigger crowds at Clarence Park, but a price-drop is not on the horizon.

The last two home games, against Farnborough and Havant and Waterlooville, have brought in gates of 344 and 349 respectively. It’s a long way removed from the 707 that watched the Saints beat Maidenhead in September and the 953 that saw the FA Cup loss to Concord Rangers.

Discontent at the £15 admission fee is the primary reason behind the fall in numbers at Clarence Park but, despite discussions to lower the price, it is not considered the “correct way forward” for the club.

“We’re disappointed to find ourselves slipping away from the highs of 700 to 900 fans at Clarence Park,” Archer told the Herts Ad.

“The problem is the club is losing money so we need bigger attendances. We need around 750 people to break even to be honest and we’re a long way shy of that.”

The responsibility of drawing in the fans who have decided to spend their hard-earn money elsewhere, as well as inspiring new fans, instead falls on the managers and the players.

“It does put pressure on James and Graham to get results and they have certainly felt that after the team hasn’t delivered at home,” he said.

“We want to play good football and entertain, which we did against Havant and Waterlooville and it was great to see Sean Shields go out with a bang. We’re at home for the next two Saturdays so it’s an opportunity for people to come and support the Saints. I have high hopes for the next two home games.”

A big crowd is intrinsically linked with results at Clarence Park, according to Archer, who insisted the performances on the pitch are better when the Saints fans are in good voice and waving their flags.

He is hoping the recent fall in attendance will end on Saturday and the club will see around close to 1000 fans cheer St Albans to victory in the FA Trophy against Wealdstone. Kick-off is 3pm.