St Albans City joint manager James Gray insists there were positives despite extending their winless start to the season after a 2-0 home defeat to Ebbsfleet United on Saturday.

The Saints have picked up just one point from their opening three National League South matches which has left them third bottom. But Gray saw enough from his team's performance to keep him upbeat about their prospects for the rest of the campaign.

Gray said: "We're always going to compete. I think it was just that little bit of quality again. It wasn't the collective today. I think individually we made some errors that we needed to be better with especially going forward. We're having to work so hard early on against the sides we're coming up against.

"We were definitely in that game and I saw enough positives but we need to get better and we need to do it sharp.

"There were definitely positives out there for me. Maybe people don't see that but we're a side early in its togetherness and we're still gelling but I did see positives."

The Saints gave a decent account of themselves in the first half but the breakthrough came five minutes into the second half when James Comley conceded a penalty for pulling back Jordan Parkes. Danny Kedwell fired home the spot kick and the visitors sealed the win in the 75th minute after Jack Green's clearance cannoned off defender Ian Gayle and into the Saints' net.

Reflecting on the first goal, Gray said: "It was a soft goal to give away because up until that point we were very much in the game. I thought we defended better today and they didn't cut through us at ease. But it was just a sloppy error and I think we just fell asleep thinking the guy was offside.

"For us to switch off at that stage was criminal because we were well in the game. But as soon as we went a goal down we ran out of ideas a little bit and it got tough for us. But they're a very good side and one of the title favourites so we've had a tough start. We're not making any excuses. We need to get better and get better quickly."

Gray added: "Nothing's a concern at this point. It may be a concern to the supporters or the chairman or the owners but I'm not concerned because I've seen enough positives and there is plenty for us to work on. The lack of goals is there for all to see but it's not concerning me because with the players we've got once we get it right we will score goals."

Gayle started the match following his return to the club on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge and the Saints would like to agree a longer deal for the defender.

He said: "We've got him for a month at the minute but we'll have to see at the end of it whether we can extend it. I'm hoping so because I know what Gayley will do for us. If we could get him on a permanent that would be ideal because you saw today he is a superb player."

The Saints travel to Eastbourne Borough tonight and the manager insists the squad must keep the faith as they search for their first win of the season.

Gray said: "We've got one point from our first three games albeit tough games but it's not a great return. We'll have to try to get something out of that game down at Eastbourne. Again it won't be easy as they're one of the good sides in this league. But we're not going to lose our heads. We need to stay together and find a way of picking up points in this league because it's a very tough league."