Ian Allinson was critical of an “unprofessional” final 20 minutes from his St Albans City side, despite their 2-1 FA Cup win over Bridport.

First half goals from Shaun Lucien and Percy Kiangebeni put the Saints in control at 2-0 before Leigh Bailey hit back in the 54th minute to set up a nervy conclusion.

For Allinson, the manner in which City allowed their Western Football League Premier Division opponents back into the game was unsuccessful.

“We worked extremely hard to get in front,” Allinson said. “We should have had the game buried and put to bed and we decided we didn’t need to do anymore and we could go home.

“We didn’t keep the ball as well as we did early on and I felt we were a bit unprofessional in the last 20 minutes.

“We have inconsistencies about our game and they popped up again today when we took our foot off the table.”

City were well on top throughout the first half and took the lead with 24 minutes played thanks to a fine solo effort from Shaun Lucien.

Picking the ball up on the left, Lucien cut inside and held off challenges from two Bridport defenders before firing into the top corner from the edge of the box.

It was 2-0 six minutes later when Kiangebeni rounded of a powerful driving run with a fierce drive which flew through the hands of the Bridport stopper.

The home side failed to match their performance in the second half and a speculative punt froward from a free-kick gave Bridport a rite back into the game.

Poor marking allowed Bailey to get on the end of header across goal and tap in from inside the six yard box.

From there Bridport grew in confidence and kept the pressure on City with a number of set-pieces.

City ultimately held out, but Allinson felt they should have been home and hosed long before the Bridport response.

“The longer the game went on at 2-1 they have got a bit more confident. They have put their centre-half up front and started to lump in to him,” he said.

“You have to give them massive credit at the end of the day, but at 2-1 they have something to play for.

“If we make it 3-1, 4-1 or 5-1, they have nothing to play for and we would have seen the game out comfortably.”

While the size of the victory may not have satisfied Allinson, he can still prepare for a fourth qualifying round clash.

Before then their focus will return to National League commitments, where City are looking to maintain a play-off push.

A fine start to the campaign, which saw City win six games on the spin had slowed somewhat and City have taken six points from their last six league outings.

They face Bath City at Clarence Park on Saturday and Allinson is eager to return to winning ways.

“It is ok looking at six games and six points, but the first six games we got 18 so I have to look at it as 12 games,” he said.

“Draws in this league do tend to cause you problems, so it would be nice to get a win.”