St Albans City joint manager James Gray admits his squad is being stretched to the limit over the festive period and is hoping to sign some more players in the new year.

The Saints suffered a 2-1 defeat at Sutton United on Sunday which left them with one point from their last three Conference South games.

Gray feels his small squad lacks the strength in depth to challenge the best sides in the division throughout the whole campaign.

Gray said: “I feel like we are two or three players short of competing with the top sides on a regular basis.

“It’s been tough for us playing two games in two days with a small squad. We are stretched to the limits at the moment.”

He added: “We are trying to strengthen the squad and bring more players in. But it’s difficult because there are other teams that have much more financial pulling power than us.

“Generally if you look at successful teams it is the ones with the money.

“We are in the middle sections of the division and after promotion I would be happy if we ended the season where we are.

“I don’t think we have enough to challenge for promotion but hopefully we can ensure we do not get dragged into a relegation battle.”

Despite taking an early lead at Sutton, the Saints were unable to hold out and returned home beaten.

Gray said: “We did OK in the first half but in the second we never really came out and it was backs to the wall.

“We have a small squad and in the second half it looked like it was just 45 minutes too much for us.”

Gray added: “There was plenty of effort but we just did not have the cutting edge.

“Losing John Frendo to injury before the game was a big blow and we just looked a bit toothless in attack.

“But to play two games in such a short space of time was a tough ask for us.”

The Saints were frustrated on Boxing Day after a late goal denied them victory in their 1-1 draw at home to Hemel Hempstead Town.

St Albans took the lead through Frendo’s 54th goal in 80 games for the club.

But Jordan Parkes’ superb late strike earned Hemel a point.

Gray, whose side travel to their local rivals on New Year’s Day, said: “They are a good side with a squad that can handle plenty of rotation.

“But if we can perform as we did in the home game against them then I’m confident we can pick up three points.”