Boss believes big games will make his side better
To be the best you've got to beat the best.
And John Still believes his team can improve further as they begin a festive fulfilment of fixtures that pit the Town against two promotion rivals.
Fifth-placed Barnet are on the menu on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day whilst a game with Kidderminster, sixth in the Skrill Premier, is sandwiched in between on Saturday.
He loves the games does our John – big ones especially. And he relishes nothing better than three tests against two clubs who will be in the promotion mix come the end of the campaign.
"The games coming up over the Christmas period are fantastic," smiled the boss. "It's what it's all about, and helps the players improve.
"Sometimes you can play against a team whose league form isn't as good and you lose focus.
"You become the better players by playing against the best."
The Town aim to stretch their unbeaten run, which currently stands at 15 matches, across the Christmas and New Year period.
It’s a run that has pleased the manager no end.
"This is probably as good as I can remember it," he said.
"I'm sure somewhere along the line there have been great runs, but I'm not one for remembering that.
"All situations are different, but this side has gradually got into this mode.
"The most pleasing thing has been the way we have played against sides in good form.
"Alfreton had a good record at home, and Gateshead's away form was particularly good, so you have to be pleased with the performances.
"It's interesting, I read something about our poor start - we've only lost two games, so I'm trying to find the poor bit.
"When the season started I said at the time we had to get going and let the players get used to it, and now it's really good.
"I'm happy with what we are doing."