St Albans City instantly got over their FA Cup disappointment with a backs-to-the-wall victory over Dartford – with manager Ian Allinson declaring “we’ve got something to fight for now”.

Saints lost 5-3 on Sunday to League Two side Carlisle United but were thrown straight back into Vanarama National League South action just over 48 hours later at Princes Park.

And goals from Sam Merson and Tom Bender handed them a 2-0 win, moving them to second position.

Allinson said: “The second half showed Sunday took a lot of them. We didn’t have the legs to get in behind and everything was a bit laboured.

“But I though the first half was excellent. We weathered a little storm, got the two goals and caused them some problems.

“The boys were magnificent. They dug in so deep because that was a tough three days they’ve had and they responded fantastically well.

“We could have quite easily come out and felt sorry for ourselves but that’s gone now, Carlisle has gone. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves.

“We’ve got a tremendous amount of work to do over the next few weeks to keep us in the play-off hunt.”

City closed to within seven points of leaders Maidenhead United after this fourth successive league win – and they also have a game in hand.

And Allinson is delighted with the way his team is responding.

He said: “You set this bunch of lads targets or challenges and they are fantastic. We do silly things at times, we give the ball away cheaply and they’re frustrating but their attitude and application has been outstanding over the last six or seven weeks.”

The form of Junior Morias in recent weeks has brought him to the attention of the football nation, with club’s lining up for his services.

But while Allinson says there are enquiries, any deal would have to be right for the club.

He said: “He’s still our player and until he’s not, we’ll just remain as we are. I’m not looking to move Junior on; he’s very much part of what we’re trying to do here.

“If an offer comes in that’s right for the club and the team, then we’ll look at it. But at the moment it’s only speculation.

“If someone wants him, they need to go through the proper channels, put an offer in and we’ll see where we are.”