Ian Allinson says he will not abandon his attacking principles, despite admitting St Albans City were too open in defeat against Welling United.

The Saints went down to a 2-1 loss on Saturday as their opponents moved above them in he National League South table.

City looked promising on the attack, but, Allison admitted, were easily exposed on the break by Welling.

Regardless, the Saints boss will not depart from the attacking style which he has prided himself on delivering while at Clarence Park.

“I want a side that expresses themselves and looks good on the eye. Perhaps that is why we have been undone again today,” Allinson said.

“We have been beaten by a very, very well organised side, which is very well drilled in terms of experience. Maybe we lack that bit of experience.

“When we need to get hold of players in terms of too many players going forward at the same time. We need to defend properly first and foremost and keep a clean sheet.”

The home side started brightly and produced a number of early chances but failed to make the most of their good opening.

Inevitably, Welling, who climbed to third in the table and sit two points shy of league leaders Dartford by virtue of the win, punished City’s failure to score.

The opener arrived just a minute before the half-time break when a sweeping counter attack unpicked the City defence.

Welling strode forward and broke past a couple of limp challenges and released Joe Healy in the box.

He wasted no time in curling a fine finish across goal and into the far corner.

Alan felt the goal took the stuffing out of City and was disappointed by his players reaction, which allowed Welling to notch a second through Jack Hebb in the 67th minute.

“It is a difficult to take because it is just that period from when they scored to when they got the second where we lost our heads and confidence,” he said.

“That was a bit of a worry. I felt until they scored we were comfortable in the game. Some of the football we played was outstanding and we created some excellent chances.

“We have overcommitted in terms of going forward and before we know it they are up the other end.”

Allinson felt that going two behind brought the best out of his players, but it was too little too late despite Nathaniel Pinney’s stoppage time consolation.

“When we were 2-0 down, it is funny that people start thinking we have nothing to lose and we went and played some really lovely stuff,” he said.

“In the last 20 or 25 minutes, there keeper has made three or four really good saves and we have eventually scored at the end.”

City remain in the play-off places despite the loss, but now have just a one-point cushion over eighth place Truro City who were not in league action at the weekend.

The Saints continue their campaign with a visit to Chippenham Town on Saturday.

They will hope to end a four game winless run against their mid-table opposition.