IAN Allinson has bemoaned the lacklustre finishing which cost St Albans City all three points in their goalless stalemate with Hungerford Town.

The Saints were in the ascendency throughout at Clarence Park but passed up a number of chances - missing the opportunity to go top of the National League South in the process.

While Allinson was pleased with his side’s overall performance, he was quick to criticise their failure to convert a number of clear openings.

“Without a shadow of a doubt [we should have won],” Allinson said. “We have created a lot of chances, but, for me, there are no players out there who want to score goals, want to see the ball hit the back of the net and enjoy that.

“We have had a lot of chances but probably only made their keeper make one save.

“It comes down to us finishing teams off and punishing teams. Overall I was pleased with the performance in tough conditions.”

City would have expected to claim a victory from a clash against a Hungerford side which came into the match with just one win in four league outings.

Indeed, City made their greater quality show from the outset and produced a number of opportunities in the first period.

Sam Merson, Zane Banton and Shaun Lucien all spurned openings, with Lucien allowing a host of chances to go begging.

The theme continued after the half-time interval and City were almost made to pay for their profligacy.

Hungerford had the ball in the net, but were denied what would have been the winner by the linesman’s flag being raised.

They also saw a late corner scrambled away in the fourth minute of added time after City had conceded possession and the Saints were forced to battle for a point.

City’s failure to kill off a game in which they have dominated is not a new issue and they have made a habit of making life difficult for themselves.

Allinson is aware of the problem and wants to see his players begin to show a ruthless edge which can only aid their promotion pursuit.

“We haven’t really put a team to the sword this season and we have won 1-0, 2-1 or 3-2 and it has been tough,” he said.

“You are always thinking they are going to knick something. After having total dominance we could have gone on and lost the game.

“I have to be positive about the clean sheet, which is good, but I am disappointed we haven’t gone and got the three points.”

Results elsewhere on Saturday saw City drop to third in the table, but they remain behind league leaders Braintree Town on goal difference alone after they played out a 1-1 draw with Bath City.

At the time of going to press City were preparing for a visit to Hampton on Tuesday night as they look to maintain their form in what is a busy week for Allinson’s side.

They follow their midweek exertions with an away day against Dartford on Saturday night.

Their hectic schedule concludes next Wednesday when City are once again on their travels against Hadley.