Jon Challinor scores twice for Stamford AFC in their victory over Biggleswade
Manager Graham Drury praised the desire of veteran match-winner Jon Challinor after the 43-year-old's two-goal haul helped Stamford maintain their unbeaten start to the Southern League season on Monday.
The goalscoring cameo came 48 hours after Challinor had been substituted after being introduced in the first half of Saturday's 2-2 draw at Bishop's Stortford.
He came on in the 29th minute and was then withdrawn at half-time as manager Drury introduced both Tom Siddons and Tobias Liversidge to netted the goals to earn Stamford a 2-2 draw.
Drury explained: "It is hard because sometimes you make changes and they work and other times they don't.
"I'm having the luck at the moment and I made the changes at half-time on Saturday to be really brave and we got the point.
"We've got a great squad of players and they've got to believe in me, which I think they do.
"If anyone believes it's easy for me to take a player off after 20 minutes is truly mistaken because it takes a lot of your time up after the game where you're thinking about it.
"It was my call not to contact him on Sunday because it went through my mind to just have a chat with him.
"Chally's been with me long enough to know that I'm ruthless in what I do and, if he's the one who is sacrificed, then that's what it will be."
He added: "Chally is getting more minutes now than he played last season because he's fitter this year because of the England scenario of going to the World Cup.
"It has given him that bit of hunger again because he wants to be in it next year and, if he keeps doing what he bit on Monday, then I'll put him forward again.
"He has delivered the goods again and people don't understand the sort of relationship that we have.
"It is a love-hate relationship at times and I will sacrifice that because it will be frustrating for him but it is all about the team.
"Chally is brilliant around the players and, if he didn't have that desire or was happy with some of the decisions that I make, I wouldn't have him at this football club. He still has that desire to play."
The 2-1 home win on Monday has kept Stamford top of the Premier Division Central after five matches of the season.
They take a break from league duties on Saturday when they travel to Carlton Town in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.
The Millers have been familiar foes for Stamford during their time in the Northern Premier League and are managed by ex-Daniels boss Tommy Brookbanks.
Drury commented: "Carlton are a lively side with some good players.
"We know a lot about them but we've got to turn up on the day and hopefully perform and do whatever it takes to get through the tie.
"We want a good cup run for the financial side of things and, if you stay in the competition, then you get more matches and players get more game-time to keep them happier."
The Daniels are also in cup action on Tuesday night (September 3) when they travel to Gainsborough Trinity in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup.
