2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (James Bedford)
Manager Graham Drury hailed an 'immense' performance from his Stamford players as the Daniels kept their play-off dreams alive on Saturday. Two goals from Kai Tonge secured a 2-0 home success over Banbury United in the Southern League Premier Division Central. It maintained Stamford's grip on fifth spot with their play-off destiny still in their own hands with two matches remaining.
Drury said: "We were resilient last season in April when everything was being thrown at us and we've done it again so far. "All of the players were immense on Saturday but we haven't achieved anything yet. "It's still in our hands and I keep telling the boys to tick the games off.
"That win would have broken the hearts of the sides chasing us but we've just got to keep concentrating on ourselves. "There is a real togetherness in the camp with great attitudes from all and it's just a pleasure to be around that dressing room. "We've been talking the talk and now we're walking the walk.
"We'll carry on being patient and doing what we do and see where it takes us." "I just hope that the boys do it for themselves because they have taken everything that has been thrown at them. "They take instructions on board, the staff get things spot on and we work hard as a unit and the results are coming at the right time of the season for us.
" Tonge took centre stage with his goal double following the suspension of top scorer Jack Duffy who is banned for the rest of the campaign. His brace means Stamford have lost just once in the last eight leagues with goalkeeper Tom Jackson keeping five clean sheets in that run to make a total of 15 for the season. Drury added: "Kai really stepped up to the mark and I put my full faith in him.
"He's repaid that with the two goals and never gave up. He was a menace all game. "It also good to keep another clean sheet against a side that doesn't concede goals and Jacko's save just before we scored was unbelievable.
"It was their first real effort at him so his concentration levels were immense and he's the type of character which we've needed this season." Stamford now make the short trip to Spalding United on Easter Monday with the Tulips six points adrift of their neighbours having seen their play-off hopes hit by a goalless draw at AFC Sudbury on Saturday. Drury commented: "Spalding are not out of it and that point on Saturday still gives them that bit of belief.
"They know that they've got to win their last two games so it won't be easy and Jimmy Dean's sides are always a handful. "Jimmy's a great manager who is a good friend in football but the rivalry will be there on Monday. "I'm sure the pair of us will be going at it hammer and tongs on the sidelines but we'll have a drink together afterwards.
" Stamford finish their regular league campaign on Saturday at home to Halesowen..
