St Albans City boss James Gray believes his side would have gone on to defeat Maidenhead United if they had kept 11 players on the pitch in Saturday’s 1-1 draw.

The Saints were reduced to ten men early on when captain James Comley was sent off early on for appearing to raise his hands in a scuffle with DJ Campbell.

City fell behind shortly afterwards before fighting back for a point but the joint manager felt the result could have been better if they kept all the players on the pitch.

Gray said: “With 11 players on the pitch and with the way we started so brightly I definitely thought we could have won the game.

“That was the massive disappointment because we started so well and it was criminal for Coms to get himself sent off and involved in a situation he doesn't need to be involved in.

“We'll have to sit down and have a chat but he's already apologised to the boys which is fair play to him. I just felt we would have got the three points with 11 men on the pitch.”

The Saints joint manager added: “Their management saw it and said Comley raised his arms. I actually asked at half-time and the referee said he did raise his arm.

“Coms said DJ Campbell had him round the throat a little bit and I think it was six of one and half a dozen of the other and unfortunately Coms has got himself sent off and we’re going to miss him for three games now which is not good.”

The Saints boss believes his side have progressed this season and thinks the team would have lost this match if it had taken place earlier in the campaign.

Gray said: “We looked sharp and managed to do a bit of rotation onto the pitch and the squad has held out well.

“I’m really pleased with the point. I don’t think a few months back we would have dug in and got that point.

“We probably would have got turned over but the boys have got a new zest for it and new lease of life. I’m really happy with the group of boys we’ve got so far.”

The Saints have a break in action this weekend with their next match not taking place until a week on Saturday at Chelmsford City.

Gray admitted: “It is a frustration. It’s one of those things we can do nothing about. It could be good to have a week’s rest but we'll try to do something and definitely train.

“It’s an opportunity to go out and look at our potential opposition over the next two or three weeks. We'll do something but unfortunately it won’t be a league game.”

There is a team and supporters’ coach going to Chelmsford City for the Conference South game on Saturday, February 7. The coach will depart at 11.30am from the Clarence Park entrance to the ground. To reserve seats, call Ian Rogers on 07714 145862. The cost for the coach is £10.