St Albans City manager Harry Wheeler believes the team need to win half of their remaining games this season to avoid relegation from the National League South.

The Saints are bottom of the table after just five wins from 26 matches. But Wheeler thinks his side need eight victories from their last 16 games to remain in the division.

Speaking after their 1-0 home defeat to Truro City on Saturday, Wheeler said: “It’s not enough. I can’t fault the players’ effort in terms of work rate and desire.

“They did keep their shape and didn’t go [under] after the 1-0 so there are improvements.

“But someone said to me it can’t change overnight but it has to because of the position we’re in.

“I said we needed to win eight out of 17 so now we need eight out of 16 so we need to win half our games. That’s more than we’ve won all season but we’ve got to believe.”

City arguably had the better of the first half but were unable to find the breakthrough with Sam Corcoran having one of the best chances.

Their missed opportunities proved costly as the visitors grabbed the winner on the hour mark through Isaac Vassell.

Wheeler said:”We could have been two or three ahead and you’ve got to take your chances.

“They got one gift and they took it. That’s why they are where they are and we’re where we are.

“It’s so frustrating because it’s just an individual error. It wasn’t anything to do with what we worked on or the mental state this time. It was just indecision and we got punished for it.”

The Saints handed debuts to three players at Clarence Park with former Watford midfielder Al Bangura joined in the side by Bromley defender Ugo Udoji and former Concord Rangers striker Michael Thalassitis.

Wheeler said: “I think the new lads made a difference in certain ways even though we didn’t get the right outcome.

“The three that came in are men and characters that do their job and are solid. I thought the three had very good games.”

The Saints boss has refused to rule out making more additions as they bid to stave off relegation.

“If we can strengthen we will,” he said. “There’s pressure on people’s places and there’s been a few changes. Some people that regularly start maybe didn’t and everyone’s playing for places.

“Once the wins come you will see a more regular side but until then it gives you no choice.”

The Saints’ next game is at Dartford on Saturday and the manager knows the side are running out of time.

He said: “I don’t feel the pressure in terms of changing my mindset. I believe if you keep working hard it will come and if it’s going to come it needs to now.

“We need to leave at the end of the season knowing there was nothing more we could give.”