Maidstone United manager George Elokobi on the Boxing Day derby at Tonbridge Angels | Patience key in search for Levi Amantchi's replacement

Maidstone boss George Elokobi has called on his side to play the game not the occasion at local rivals Tonbridge.

Part one of the Christmas and New Year double-header takes place at Longmead on Boxing Day (1pm).

United make the short trip on the back of three successive defeats in all competitions since their FA Cup victory over Barrow.

They remain fourth in National League South but know another big test awaits against one of the form sides in the division.

Angels, with ex-Maidstone boss Jay Saunders in charge against his old club for the first time, are just a point outside the play-offs after putting a slow start firmly behind them.

“It doesn’t matter if they’re above us or below us, it’s a local derby and local derbies sometimes are not pretty,” said Elokobi, speaking after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Chippenham.

“It’s a fierce one, we know that, and we have to be ready.

“A derby’s a derby. It’s self-motivating, not that Chippenham wasn’t, but whether it’s Tonbridge, Dartford, or Welling, we approach every game the same.

“It’s our job to make sure we don't get the players too hyped up.

“We have to keep our emotions in check, we have to play the game and treat it just like another game.

“We always say don’t play the occasion, play the game - don’t change your style.

“You have to be mindful that you don’t get too hot-headed and then it leaves you in a tough place.

“We need to make sure our players are ice-cool in the head and have fire in the belly. That’s what you need to go out and perform.

“Whoever we were going to be playing next, after a below-par performance, we need to make sure everyone is up for it and brings their A-game to the table.”

Meanwhile, Elokobi says Maidstone must be patient in their pursuit of a