St Albans City joint manager James Gray believes their win over Ebbsfleet United shows what the team are capable of if they can keep the squad together next season.

The Saints made it three consecutive wins after a 1-0 home victory over the Conference South big spenders on Saturday.

City have responded strongly to strong criticism by Gray following their defeat at Bishop’s Stortford and he is keen to hold onto his players for the next campaign.

The Saints boss said: “It’s been a good reaction since Bishop’s Stortford and I’m pleased to get one over Jamie Day and what will probably be his all conquering side next season. It just shows you where we can go if we can keep the squad together.

“It’s going to be difficult I know because a lot of the players I’ve been speaking to have got other clubs chasing them. Whether financially we can keep hold of them I’m not too sure but I’m pleased to finish the season on a high and hopefully we can retain them.”

Gray, whose side end the season tomorrow at Hayes & Yeading United, said: “The boys love it down here and responded to the criticism I and the fans gave them from time to time.

“They reacted really well and today was a culmination of the last two games. We looked solid at the back and there were some outstanding performances from individuals and we go into the Hayes & Yeading game in really good form now.”

Midfielder Jack Green scored the winner on Saturday and Gray is determined to keep the teenager at Clarence Park.

Gray said: “We’ve schooled him a little bit and wanted to see how hungry he is to be a footballer. I’m talking to him now and in negotiations with him his parents. He’s 17 and still at school so you don’t realise how much of a kid he is.

“If he wants the right club to be at to progress his career then St Albans is the right one. Hopefully we can get him done and dusted and over the line. Then we can push him on and he can have a good football career.

“He defies his age at 17 running around with lads that have played professional football and are experienced non-league footballers but he doesn’t look out of place. To get the winner against a side that have spent all the money and he hasn’t been paid a penny that’s football. I hope he stays with us and we can progress and push him on.”

Goalkeeper Joe Welch has won the supporters and players’ player of the year and Gray confirmed he has agreed to stay with the club next season.

The manager said: “He’s been absolutely superb and the two saves today just about topped it off. Very rarely you go through a season where I can’t really remember him making a mistake.

“He’s been our most consistent player and that's why he’s won it. He’s one I have agreed to stay next season.

“He hasn’t signed his contract yet and there will be clubs sniffing around but he’s an honest lad and lives locally. He loves it down here and it’s good for him to get the recognition because he has been absolutely outstanding.”

Steve Wales’ second of the game at Staines Town last August won him the goal of the season while commercial manager Tom Norman collected the clubman of the year award.

There is a team and supporters’ coach going to Maidenhead for the game against Hayes & Yeading Utd tomorrow.

The coach will depart at 11.45am from the Clarence Park entrance to the ground. To reserve seats, call Ian Rogers on 07714 145862. The cost for the coach is £10.