St Albans City joint boss James Gray admits December is never an easy month for part-time football clubs and doesn’t expect his players to sacrifice all their off-field activities for the Saints.

Gray and Graham Golds’ side play six matches this month, with only two of those taking place at Clarence Park.

While Conference South trips to the likes of Bromley and Sutton United are hardly monotonous motorway journeys they still require players to give up the majority of their Saturdays for the club after working during the week.

Gray understands the predicament for players at this time of year but believes his “professional group” will not let it affect their performances.

He explained: “December is never an easy month for any football club, especially at this level. The games come thick and fast and, with injuries, the matches can stretch your squad.

“There is a lot of stuff going on off the pitch as well. A lot of the lads work in London and there are a lot of office Christmas parties.

“We have a professional group here but ultimately the guys are not professional footballers. They have other things going on and they are not paid enough to sacrifice everything for football.

“They have other commitments and I understand that. It may just be a case of checking their eyes and smelling their breath before a game.

“I am sure the players will be fine though. Hopefully we can get a few wins on the bounce and then who knows where that will put us in the table in the New Year.”

The Saints faced Wealdstone in their FA Trophy third qualifying round replay tonight after the first tie between the two sides ended as a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

St Albans’ goal in that draw was scored by Nathan Green, who joined the club on a one-month loan from Dagenham & Redbridge last week.

The 22-year-old can play across the left flank and in the centre of defence.

“We have lost Lee Chappell for a few games due to suspension so we brought in Nathan as cover,” Gray said.

“He obviously got off to the perfect start by scoring on his debut and his versatility will be invaluable. He will certainly be a good addition for us.”

The Saints take on Bath City in the Conference South on Saturday before travelling to Kings Langley next Tuesday for their Herts Senior Cup second round tie.

“It’s a competition we would like to win so we will be putting out a first team,” Gray said.

“There are a few lads in the Under-21s who deserve a game though, so they may get their chance in the first team and that would be a good experience for them.”

For the second consecutive month, the Harpenden Construction Limited Player of the Month has been named as Joe Welch.

The award will be presented to the goalkeeper prior to Saturday’s game by Davy McLean on behalf of the Saints Thursday night music quiz team, who are the November 2014 sponsors.