Notts County have to win their personal battles all over the pitch if they are to continue their perfect start to 2014 against Stevenage, says first team manager Shaun Derry.
Notts have kicked off the New Year in the best possible way, following back-to-back home wins over Bradford City and Sheffield United.
Boro were in action in midweek, which gave Derry an opportunity to watch this Saturday’s opponents in action in their 2-0 triumph over Swindon Town.
The boss saw a fighting spirit in Stevenage that has been present in County’s performances of late and he is expecting a big challenge at the Lamex Stadium, as both teams aim to put pressure on the sides outside the bottom four.
“This is an unforgiving league and the difference between top, middle and bottom is fine lines," he told the press.
“Obviously we’ve played Wolves and were as good as them when they came here and Stevenage put on a performance just like that on Tuesday night.
“We’re going to have to be right on top of our game to get anything out of that.
“I think it’s one-v-ones all over the pitch, you look at how you win games and ultimately if you win your personal duels you generally come out on top.
“We’ve been doing very well in those one-v-one battles and that’s the message I’ll be sending over to them, that every single one of them has to be there for the team.”
For full pre-match build-up, sign in to Magpie Player.
For further coverage, check out the Nottingham Post, Nottinghamshire Topper and BBC Radio Nottingham’s pre-match show.