St Albans City joint manager James Gray admitted he got exactly the response he wanted from his side after their worst display of the season.

The Saints slumped to a 3-0 FA Trophy defeat at Wealdstone last Tuesday but bounced back with a 1-0 home win over Bath City in the Conference South on Saturday.

Gray said: “It was just the reaction that we wanted after our worst performance of the season. The spirit in the camp is good again and it’s never easy after you’ve just been beaten 3-0.

“To come back again like this puts us in a nice position in the league and you just never know what could happen.

“It was a good reaction from the players and it’s exactly what we asked from them before the game. The boys all put in a good shift. Against Wealdstone we were a bit short in terms of players but we fell apart and just didn’t perform.

“But we managed to put it right on Saturday and I would have taken three points in the league over a cup run if I had to choose one or the other.”

John Frendo netted his first league goal from open play at Clarence Park since August after two minutes.

The striker pounced after a poor header from Phil Walsh and volleyed the ball past Jason Mellor for the winner.

Gray said: “I’m pleased for John because it’s been a barren spell but he looked like he got his confidence back on Saturday. I questioned him against Wealdstone but he played really well and was unfortunate not to get a hat-trick. He got his goal and he’s a big player for us so hopefully this can start a run for him.”

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Cameron Lancaster signed Conference South forms with the Saints on Friday and made his debut from off the bench against Bath.

The 22-year-old, who spent time with Stevenage earlier this season, made one Premier League appearance during his spell with Spurs.

Gray said: “Cameron came on and we think he could be the ideal partner for John. He has good pedigree and he could be a real asset for us. Cameron is quite quick and goes in behind the defence so this should complements the way John plays.”

The Saints finished the match with ten men after Charlie Gorman was sent off for a late challenge on Dan Ball, which will rule him out for three games.

Gray said: “The referee said it was for excessive force and we can’t really have any complaints. Charlie is a whole-hearted player but he just mis-timed his challenge.”

City are not in action this weekend due to their exit from the FA Trophy but their manager believes the break will serve his players well in the run-up to Christmas.

Gray said: “It will give us the chance to give the team a rest and get other players fit. The lads can have a break and come back refreshed to go again.

“It is always a busy festive period so it should do them good and I think it could help us over the coming weeks.”