Those famous old rivals Nuneaton Borough and Atherstone United meet again on Boxing Day, and though Borough are streaking away with the league title United have had the better of them so far this season.

The clubs have met four times this season. United won both Dr Martens Cup ties and Borough won the FA Cup replay after drawing at Atherstone.

Borough’s manager Brendan Phillips knows that his side will have a battle on their hands even though the game is at Manor Park.

Neither manager pays much heed to the previous encounters, but Atherstone go into the game with the psychological advantage of knowing they have the measure of their more famous opponents.

Phillips says:

"We know what to expect. Atherstone will be hyped up and they are known for their battling qualities, but we have not been outfought by any side this season."

Borough have an unbeaten run of eleven league matches behind them and Phillips says that here is no shortage of confidence.