Joint manager James Gray admitted he was proud of his side’s performance after ten-man St Albans City pushed Boreham Wood all the way in their 2-1 defeat on Monday.

The Saints had defender Darren Locke sent off in the first half for a handball which enabled Wood to score from the penalty spot.

But Sean Shields equalised and only a late effort from Junior Morias denied the visitors a hard-earned point.

Gray said: “I’m proud of the boys tonight. If you’re going to lose a game of football you lose a game of football like that fighting to the very end.

“We caused them all sorts of problems tonight with 11 and ten men and it shows you how far we’ve come.”

Gray had no complaints about the sending off but was encouraged by the way his side responded in the second half to the setback.

He said: “We regrouped and threw caution to the wind and didn’t put a centre-half on straight away. We kept three at the back and I said to the boys we need to stay in it because I could feel we were going to create something.

“It’s a great finish from Sean and that’s because we took the risk and didn’t go straight to four at the back. We took a few risks tonight and it nearly paid off for us.

“I feel sorry for the boys because they put a lot of effort in tonight.”

It was a significantly improved performance after the Saints fell to a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Chelmsford City on Saturday.

The Saints turn their attention to the FA Cup this weekend when they host Conference North outfit Brackley Town in the third qualifying round.

Gray said: “I went to watch Brackley last week at Farnborough in their replay and again they’re going to be a very tough object to move.

“But we’ve got a real fighting spirit back from tonight so that will stand us in good stead for Saturday.”

The September player of the month is Lee Chappell. He will be presented with the award prior to Saturday’s home game.

There is a St Albans team and supporters coach going to Weston-super-Mare for the game on Saturday, 18 October.

The coach will depart at 9.30am from the Clarence Park entrance to the ground. To reserve £20 seats call Ian Rogers on 07714 145862 or alternatively you can book at this weekend’s match.