Stamford AFC host Spalding United in the Southern League Premier Division Central

Correct preparation could be the key to derby delight as Stamford and Spalding United lock horns in an eagerly-anticipated showdown on Boxing Day.

The two rivals clash at the Zeeco Stadium (3pm) for the first time this season in the Southern League Premier Division Central.

And both bosses feel that the outcome of the crunch clash could come down to how their players prepare for the derby duel over the Christmas period.

Stamford boss Graham Drury said: "It will be a really tough game against Spalding.

"We will have to be at our very best to get anything from it and we know that but we're up there for a reason.

"We will have to be resilient against a strong Spalding side.

"Myself and Jimmy are close football friends and we'll both be hoping that the lads do the right things over Christmas ready for Boxing Day.

"We can't control it so you've just got to trust your group that they'll be up for it and ready to go."

Drury's thoughts were echoed by his Spalding counterpart Jimmy Dean whose side have lost just once in the last six games.

Dean said: "Our form is very competitive at the moment but Stamford are a great side so it will be a tough game.

"They've got a very good manager in Graham Drury who is an old friend of mine. We both love the game.

"We love winning and hate losing but it's good for our club to be competing against a side like Stamford at step three.

"It will all be on the line and it might be about who looks after themselves the best over the Christmas period.

"It's outside of mine and Graham's control but I will be encouraging my players to do the right things.

"I'm sure we will both be giving our players exactly the same messages and I just hope that mine listens more."

Both sides go into the game after decent results at the weekend with Spalding sharing the spoils in a 1-1 home draw with league leaders Kettering Town on Saturday.

Dean was full of praise for the efforts of his squad which was missing the influential duo of Dan Lawlor and Liam Moore.

They handed a first start to defender Darnell Johnson who was playing his first competitive game since leaving Forest Green Rovers at the end of last season.

Dean commented: "It was a team performance and, as a manager, you want to see a buy-in from the players.

"We had 11 players who put everything on the line and then you bring on the substitutes who did exactly the same.

"They reacted really positively and worked their socks off which is what you want.

"You want a buy-in from the whole squad and everyone pulling in the same direction and only then can you be successful. I think we're getting there now.

"We can't get carried away because we're certainly not where we want to be. There is progression though and we've got belief now in that changing room."

Goals from James Blunden and man of the match Jack Duffy secured a 2-0 away victory for Stamford in their match at Hitchin.

It means only goal difference is keeping Stamford out of the play-off places ahead of their match with Spalding who are six points adrift of their derby rivals.

Drury added: "It wasn't a vintage performance at Hitchin and all credit to them because they had a real go.

"They were a young and fit side and were really free-flowing who worked hard but Jack Duffy was unbelievable for us. It was the best I have ever seen him.

"He was such a leader on the pitch and just class."

After the Boxing Day game, Spalding host Bromsgrove Sporting on Saturday before a home match with St Ives on New Year's Day.

Stamford travel to Stourbridge on Saturday and then have a New Year's Day game away at Biggleswade.