Derby day victories that little bit sweeter for ambitious Doughboys boss Stone
Wellingborough Town may have got used to winning this season, but Saturday's derby day success at Corby Town was that little bit sweeter for boss Jake Stone.
The Doughboys were 4-1 winners at Steel Park at the weekend, making it 11 wins out of their opening 12 matches in the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division.
On-song Borough then stretched their lead at the top to 10 points with a 4-0 win over Loughborough Students on Tuesday night.
At the weekend, goals from Danny Draper, Jack O'Connor, Zayn Hakeem and Ethan Johnston sealed the points and the Northants bragging rights, and it is the latter that carries a bit more weight for Stone.
The Borough boss has never made a secret of the fact that he always wants to get the better of county rivals Corby and AFC Rushden & Diamonds, and last Saturday’s clash was no exception.
"I don't mind saying it that this is a ground where I absolutely want to win," Stone told Doughboys TV after the weekend victory at Steel Park.
"There are two teams, and we know which two teams they are, where I really want to win away, and this is one of them.
"Are they the same team or as good as the team that Setch (Gary Setchell) had here? No.
"But they have the resources and the ground to eventually push on and do very well.
"Yes, they are in transition, but they have improved the team since earlier in the season and they have some very good players on the pitch on Saturday
"It was just we were the better team."
Tuesday’s beating of Loughborough was a 12th win in 13 games for Stone's side, and they are now well clear of second-placed Sutton Coldfield.
The Doughboys were 2-0 up at half-time, with Neo Richard-Noel heading home the opener on 23 minutes and then Hakeem doubling their advantage nine minutes later.
Johnston then made it 3-0 on 73 minutes before skipper and unlikely goal machine O'Connor completed the scoring nine minutes from time.
On Saturday the Doughboys are again at the Dog & Duck when they entertain a Coleshill Town (ko 3pm) side that sit 15th, having won four and drawn five of their 15 matches to date.
They have a decent record on the road, having lost just twice in seven starts.
Following the Coleshill game, the Doughboys entertain seventh-placed Boldmere St Michaels next Tuesday.