Tonbridge Angels manager Jay Saunders shares his thoughts on the Boxing Day derby against Maidstone United

Jay Saunders says Tonbridge’s Boxing Day derby against Maidstone is one for the supporters.

There’ll be a huge crowd at Longmead as the local rivals do battle in a 1pm kick-off.

Both sides are going well in National League South, with Angels four points outside the play-offs in 10th and the Stones fifth after a 15-game unbeaten run.

It’s 10 years since Tonbridge last beat Maidstone in the league - a 90th-minute Alex Teniola goal in a 1-0 home win in August 2014.

Derby matches are often tight affairs but they’re great occasions for supporters and Saunders would love to send Angels fans home happy.

“I think it’s more for the supporters now, isn’t it?” said Saunders, whose side drew 1-1 at second-placed Boreham Wood on Saturday.

“Everyone knows there’ll be a big crowd.

“I think in general our players will turn up and just get on with it and play their game.

“We’ve got to make sure we do our jobs and go to our game plan and if we do that, we’ll have a chance.

“There’ll be a good atmosphere and hopefully we can come away with the three points because I think it’s been a little while since Tonbridge have beaten Maidstone.

“It is a derby and it’s one of them where the players know it’s important.

“If we get to the levels we did against Boreham Wood, we’ve got a chance; if we play like we did against Enfield the other week, we’ll come unstuck.

“It’s just about preparing right and going from there.”

The fact both teams are enjoying good seasons - Tonbridge will move a point behind Maidstone if they win - adds to the interest.

Saunders’ men have lost only once at home - that 3-1 defeat by Enfield a fortnight ago - while Maidstone are unbeaten away.

“They’re flying at the moment, aren’t they?” said Saunders.

“It’s never an easy