Ian Allinson has fired a warning across the bows of his underperforming St Albans City players, insisting he will not hesitate to shake up the Saints squad.

City fell to a 2-1 defeat to Bognor Regis on Saturday as they slipped to ninth in the National League South after what was only Bognor's third win this term.

Goals from Kristian Campbell and Daniel Beck either side of Sam Merson's leveller were the difference as City struggled to match their opponents for intensity and quality.

For Allinson, City's defensive frailty, which was particularly evident in the second half, was frustrating as it saw them continue a recent trend of poor displays.

"It is the same old, same old. If you can't keep clean sheets and get in front in games so you can relax and play on the counter attack, you are always going to be chasing the game," Allinson said.

"I am a bit lost for words today because we have worked hard this week and players have been asked to do a job and haven't done that.

"If people can't do that, maybe we have to look to bring in players that can and look to move one or two on. Today, for me, was the worst we have played all season.

"In the second half people were poor on the ball, didn't want to move the ball and our passing was poor. Overall it was a very, very poor performance."

City are without a win in their last six league outings - a run of form which has seen the Clarence Park club take just one point - and a campaign which started brightly has waned considerably.

They are two points outside the play-off places after 19 games and Allinson accepts that City have not been good enough in recent weeks.

"At the moment we are in a very poor vein of form and if we are not careful we are going to get dragged into the bottom half very quickly," he said.

"That is a concern at the moment and I have to address it. I will look at the squad and see where we are.

"I might have to bring in some players to make us a bit stronger so we can be protected and win games of football."

Saturday's loss was particularly disappointing for the Saints considering Bognor's poor performances to date this season.

They remain in the division's bottom three with only 15 points under their belt, but were good value for their win.

Allinson admitted as much himself, highlighting the better quality and commitment shown the visitors.

"I have to take responsibility because I have put a lot of faith in these players. Today we were not good enough to win of football,"he said.

"Full credit to Bognor, they worked harder than us, their quality was better than us and they deserved the victory.

"Although they were a very young side, it was men against boys in the second half and they were much better than us."

City will allow themselves from their league worries on Saturday when they take on Poole in the FA Trophy.

Allinson's side will enjoy home comforts for the clash, which will see them look to advance beyond the third qualifying round.

City are back in league action the following Saturday when they travel to play Truro City.