Stamford AFC boss frustrated as his in-form side are told to stop playing

The Daniels completed a magnificent seven South East Division wins in a row by outclassing Spalding United 5-1 in front of a bumper crowd of 513 at the Zeeco Stadium last weekend.

That run has propelled second-placed Stamford to within two points of leaders Leek Town with nine matches to go.

“The decision to suspend wasn’t a surprise, but it’s very frustrating,” Drury said. “I understand the reasons, but I don’t necessarily agree with them. Crowds aren’t big at our level and fans tend to space themselves out.

“But it’s a unique situation for everyone so we will just carry on working and be ready to play again when, and if, it happens.

“We set the lads tasks on Tuesdays and they then come in and train on Thursdays. That will continue this week.

“It is slightly complicated as they players only get paid when we play, but I reckon I have a group of lads here who will want to keep working to make sure they are ready to push for promotion. We are in a great position so I just hope we get to finish the fixtures. We’ve worked so hard to get into this position.”

Stamford fell behind to a Tobias Liversedge goal last weekend, but goals from Tom Siddons (2), Tendai Chitiza (2) and Harrv Vince gave the final scoreline a more realistic look.

Chitiza is proof of Drury’s talent-spotting skills. He’s one of four players who made the step up from step six to step four for the this season. Tricky winger Cosmos Matwasa is another.

“We only had five players left from last season,” Drury added. “So we signed several players from a lower level. I fancied they were good enough to make the step up, but they were also good characters.

“The players have been superb. They’ve really gelled well.

“We weren’t great in the first-half against Spalding, but we made a tactical switch and played very well after the break.

“We could have had more goals.”