Lee Chappell believes St Albans City are two wins away from securing their Vanarama Conference South status for next year, but admitted they need them ASAP.

Chappell made his 100th appearance for the Saints in Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Concord Rangers, an achievement that has been lost in a torrid run of games.

The club is now looking over its shoulder at the prospect of being drawn into a relegation battle after losing its last seven league games.

Chappell insists it will be difficult for the club to fall into the drop zone, but stated the need to pick up six points as quickly as possible.

“It’s hard to get out of a rut but we need two wins to see us over the line and once we get them, I think we’ll pick up,” said Chappell, who expressed his disappointment that the season is ending on a whimper.

“It’s a shame we are not ending the season on a high but it’s still a successful season if we stay up.

“At the start of the year, the objectives were a good run in the FA Cup and to stay up. We didn’t reach the first round proper but the fourth qualifying round isn’t bad and it’ll be difficult for us to get relegated.

“Yes, this season has been a downer compared to last, but we’ve picked up results against good sides so we’re not a million miles off.”

St Albans have an excellent chance to end their slump on Saturday at Clarence Park (3pm kick-off) against Weston-super-Mare. They won the reverse fixture 2-0, although Weston head into the game having beaten Bath City 4-2 on Tuesday, the same night the Saints were knocked out of the Herts Senior Cup.

Speaking about his 100th game, which he has achieved in less than two years, Chappell admitted it has come round extremely fast and expects to break 50 games this season after making 61 in the last campaign.

“I’m looking forward to the end of the season and resting my legs.”