Stone calls for Doughboys focus as they prepare for St Neots challenge at the Dog & Duck
Wellingborough Town boss Jake Stone is urging his players to forget about their Boxing Day derby delight at AFC Rushden & Diamonds and focus on their next challenge - a New Year's Day home date with St Neots Town (ko 3pm).
The Doughboys are second to only league leaders Carlton Town in the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division form table, with their 1-0 win at Hayden Road a fourth straight win.
It is a run that has seen Borough rise to 10th in the table and to within just three points of the play-offs, and they will be looking to make that five in a row and start 2026 with a bang by seeing off St Neots.
But Stone knows that is going to be easier said than done, despite St Neots sitting 17th in the table, with the Cambridgeshire side having won their past two matches to climb out of the relegation zone.
There is plenty of recent history between the clubs as they were old foes in the United Counties League, and Stone is warning his players they have to put that win at Diamonds out of their minds.
"We have to enjoy moments like the Boxing Day win at our closest rivals," Stone told @doughboys_wtfc. "Those are special days and memories that can build the character of a team.
"But football moves quickly, and now it's about shifting our focus and being ready for the next challenge.
"After emotions run high and you come through a tough game with a result, the next match can quickly bring you down to earth if you're not fully at it.
"We'll make sure the lads understand that this game against St Neots is just as important.
"No matter what the circumstances are, the same number of points are on offer and every single one counts when you are trying to move up the league.
"St Neots are in excellent form right now. This league is incredibly tight and every single side has players that can hurt you, and St Neots are no different.
"They've got recent back-to-back wins, including beating second-placed Belper on their own patch, so they'll arrive with more confidence than they've had all season.
"It's down to us to keep our run going, but when you are in form everyone wants to be the side to stop that run, and that gives every opponent added motivation.
"That means every game you have to fight that little bit harder to keep the good form going."