Boreham Wood boss Ian Allinson described his side’s work rate as “magnificent” after they kept up the pressure on Conference South leaders Basingstoke Town with a 2-1 win over St Albans City.

Second-placed Wood fell to a 2-1 defeat at Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday but quickly put this behind them to edge past the Saints at Meadow Park on Monday night.

Allinson told the club website: “Credit to St Albans, they had a real go at us. We were not as slick as we have been, but that was down to the occasion.

“It was a great derby that was played by both sides in the correct manner. The work rate from the players was magnificent after such a hard battle at Havant two days earlier.

“You can measure that effort by Ricky Shakes who succumbed to cramp, a player that just keeps going and going.”

Allinson’s side will turn their attention to the FA Cup tomorrow when they travel to Southern Premier Division Frome Town in the third qualifying round of the competition.