Saints ‘fully deserved’ three points against Havant and Waterlooville, says Gray

St Albans City were “full value” for three points against Havant and Waterlooville, according to joint manager James Gray.

Sean Shields came off the bench to score the only goal of the game, in the 84th minute, in his final game before returning to Dagenham and Redbridge.

Despite the slender scoreline, Gray insists it was no more than his team deserved.

“It wasn’t a smash and grab; we were full value for three points. We outplayed them, defended well, scored a great goal on the break from Sean and got the three points we fully deserved,” he told Saintsnet after the game.

“The overall quality in the side was superb and we’re a step a closer to where we want to be: mixing it with the top sides.

“We need to find a level of consistency because we’ve played well against Basingstoke and Havant but it was disappointing to drop points against Farnborough, a team we should be beating. There’s still work to do but the lads worked their socks off and I’m pleased for them.”

Gray is confident his team will find the consistency he and Graham Golds are striving for because they are all committed to the cause.

“It’s our first season in the Conference South and everyone has given us a bit of stick about our consistency and our home form, but I don’t know what people expected,” he said.

“We’re playing sides that have hundreds of Football League appearances so it’s not easy. We have to work our socks off on shape and discipline but the lads are committed to doing it.”

St Albans have a break from league action this Saturday and instead turn their attention to the FA Trophy and beating Wealdstone in the third qualifying round. Kick-off at Clarence Park is 3pm.