Ian Allinson has admitted that the timing of the Herts Charity Cup Final could be better – but says St Albans City will still be going all out to win it.

They face Bishop’s Stortford tonight (Tuesday) at Cheshunt’s Theobalds Lane ground, just days before they run out against Dartford in a crucial Vanarama National League South game.

Saints are just one point and one place above the relegation positions with just that final game at Clarence Park to go.

And what complicates matters is that Havant & Waterlooville, the side directly below them in the league, still have a game in hand against Truro City on Thursday night.

That battle to stay in the division is the focus for Allinson and victory and safety in that game takes priority over any cup success.

“The most important thing for me at the minute is Dartford on Saturday,” said the City boss.

“The game against Bishop’s Stortford is important and I want to go and win it but Dartford is the most important game in this club’s season.

“We’ve given ourselves a fighting chance. Havant might not pick up maximum points at Truro on Thursday. All we can do is worry about what we’re going to do.”

City’s job is not made any easier by a number of players struggling with niggles as the tough campaign draws to a close.

Allinson said: “We’ve got to patch a few up. We’ve just got to get Sam the physio in with them.

“But the players know what they need to do. The biggest thing is if they train they’re going to put themselves backwards.

“We’ve got a full week for those players where they can get those injuries cleared up and hopefully we can go in with a clean bill of health and do the job against Dartford.

“But first we’ve got Tuesday night and we’ll put a squad out that can hopefully go and win it.

“It is a cup we want to win for the people of St Albans and for the players.”

Allinson’s team selection for the final could be interesting.

Charlie MacDonald is one of those players who will definitely miss out but there will be opportunities for the likes of Billy Gibson and Danny Green who have sat on the bench in recent weeks.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

For those not going to the game head over to @hertsadsport on Twitter where we will have full coverage of the match.