What better way to start off 2025 than to pick up three points on New Year’s Day in our eagerly awaited derby at St. Albans (ko 3pm).

With both clubs marooned in the relegation places, the stakes could hardly be higher as we aim to kick off the New Year on a high.

But suggest to Gavin Macpherson  that this is the mother of all six pointers and you get a typically pragmatic response.

“It would be a help to win the game of course but it’s no more or less important than the last game or the next one,” said Gav. “People talk about six-pointers and of course I get that. But at the end of the day it’s worth three points. Regardless of who it’s against, we’re in a fight.”

Under new management, St Albans have also just reinforced their defence by re-signing towering defender Deon Woodman for a second spell on loan from Wealdstone.

“I’m massively surprised they are where they are in the table,” said Gavin. “They clearly have some very good players but our form has been good. We’ve just fallen the wrong side of a couple of results – against some of the top sides in the division.”

“Worthing went to Dorking and won. Boreham Wood could potentially win this league and we put them on the back foot for long periods.

“The problem is we’re not putting chances away. Maybe the players don’t have the belief but I need that to change and quickly. That was my message at training on Monday.”

On the injury front, Bayley Brown, who has shown considerable ability in midfield since joining us, is a doubt with a toe issue but Adam Thompson is hoping to be fit after missing the last three games.

AW