I believe! City boss Ian plots victory over Torquay United
Wild scenes, including manager Ian Allinson, as St Albans City win late against East Thurrock United. Picture: IAN HALL/ST ALBANS CITY FC - Credit: Archant
Ian Allinson believes his St Albans City side will make the National League South play-offs if they beat champions Torquay United.
After the drama of Good Friday’s win over East Thurrock United, their hopes were given a blow when they suffered a 2-1 defeat at Concord Rangers on Easter Monday, James Kaloczi getting the St Albans’ goal.
That result guarantees the Essex side one of the six places in the post-season showdown but two late goals for Dartford against Billericay Town mean Saints are still in with a shout of the final one.
And with the Devon side having already shifted 1,000 tickets for their trip to Clarence Park on Saturday, the occasion alone promises to be one to remember.
Allinson said: “If we beat Torquay we’ll get in the play-offs, I really believe that.
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“We need the crowd behind us, supporting us. We know they will bring a number of fans so we need to have more.
“We have to plan and prepare for Torquay.
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“And Bath will want to be at home in the quarter-final so they’ve got a great opportunity if they win against Billericay.
“There is still loads to play for.”
Saints’ preparations were hampered by the Herts Senior Cup final against Boreham Wood, a game they lost 1-0 last night (Wednesday).
But the City boss has huge faith in his side’s never-say-die attitude to overcame that and still beat the champions.
He said: “Football is never easy but I’m pleased to still have something to play for at this stage of the season.
“It’s a fabulous time for everyone and hopefully we can get in the play-offs.
“That will finish off what has been an average season for us.
“We’ve never really hit the heights in terms of the quality of football we’ve played but we have a team that works extremely hard and don’t know when they are beaten.
“They perform to a level that most teams don’t see in this league.
“Injuries have probably robbed us of the bit of quality we need but nobody can question the heart, the desire or the commitment of this team.”
