St Albans City joint manager Jimmy Gray felt his team deserved all three points after a battling 2-2 draw with near-neighbours Hemel Hempstead Town.

Goals from Simon Thomas and Kevin Krans twice put St Albans ahead but they were pegged back, the second just two minutes from time.

Gray said: “I think for once in a game this season we probably deserved the full three points.

“I thought each to a man we were outstanding and especially going down to 10 men for such a long time.

“We didn’t look flustered and to lose two points late on is tough to take.

“I’m just pleased with the overall improved performance and that we gave our fans something to look at and think we’re not that far off.

“It’s another point on the board and we go into a run of games with a little bit of confidence.

“We’ve got things to work on but we’ve got a good platform and we’ve got a good squad. We’re not far off but we may still need a few tweaks.”

He had called for passion and more fight from his charges earlier in the week and he was delighted with the response.

He said: “I’ve gone on record and slated a few of the boys but deep down I’m fully behind every single one of them.

“Everyone put in a shift and that’s the minimum I expect at this level of football. If they do that more often than not we can go home happy. And I definitely got that from them [against Hemel].”

He also admitted they are still in the market for a couple of new players.

“The players we are in the market for tend to go elsewhere because of extra finances,” he added.

“But there’s a couple [we are after]. I’m trying to get the backing from the club and the chairman.

“We’ve got two points from seven games and that’s not good enough.

“But if the right players are available and I know they are, I’m sure they will enhance what we’ve got.”

There is a St Albans City FC team and supporters’ coach going to Margate for the Vanarama National League South game on Saturday (September 5).

The coach will depart at 10:15am from the Clarence Park entrance to the ground.

To reserve seats call Ian Rogers on 07714 145862, the cost for a place is £15.