Stones Boss Vows To Try And Keep Hold Of Prospect Collins

On another day the young striker could have had a hat-trick but had to settle for one - as the Stones had to to settle for a point.

Jim Kellermann’s leveller deep into stoppage time salvage at points for the Shots in the live BT Sport game.

It could be the last time the Stones fans see Collins, whose loan from Championship leaders Wolves expires tomorrow.

Saunders wants to extend his stay but knows he faces a battle to keep the 20-year-old at the Gallagher Stadium.

“He has been really good for us and it would be a big shame to lose him,” said the manager after. “His loan is up so we are going to have to see what happens.

“There’s some interest from League Two, and Wolves will want him to play as high up as possible but we will give it a go.

“It would be good to keep him but we want to add to the squad in January regardless. It’s an important month for us.”

Stones’ last game of 2017 ended with a sucker punch - they were the better side at the EBB Stadium.

But Saunders respected the football God’s game playing.

“It feels like a defeat if I’m being honest,” added the manager, who still hopes his team can be a part of the play-off shake up.

“But its swings and roundabouts - we did to them at the Gallagher what they did to us today, so sometimes you think things aren’t meant to be.

“I’m pleased with the way we played but of course gutted we couldn’t take the three points home.

“Joe Pigott has hit a free-kick which has struck the inside of the post with a minute to go, if that goes in we win. Talk about fine margins.”