St Albans City manager Ian Allinson is grateful for the chance to give his small squad a break.

With no game in midweek, the Saints gaffer allowed his charges to miss training on Tuesday night before coming back tonight (Thursday) to prepare for a trip to Ebbsfleet United on Saturday.

He said: “It’s the first time we have had a chance to rest. The run of games we’ve had has been very tough and it’s pushed the squad to the limit.

“It’s nice to give them a little rest and prepare properly for what will be a hard game against Ebbsfleet.”

The trip to Stonebridge Road pits City against one of the pre-season favourites for the Vanarama National League South title.

But having already faced all of the current top eight bar Fleet, Allinson is more than happy his team will be ready.

“We know what this league is about,” he said. “We have got to play them at some stage but we’ve had a solid start. At times it’s been unspectacular but we’ll take it.

“The FA Cup win has made a little bit of money and hopefully we can use it in January to make the squad stronger.”