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 replacement for Levi Amantchi.

They’ve been offered players left, right and centre following the 20-goal striker’s move to Bromley on Monday.

“The board is ready when we find the right fit but we have to be patient,” said Elokobi.

“As soon as the news broke that Levi was joining Bromley, you’ve had all the agents saying, ‘I’ve got a replacement for him’.

“That’s the business we’re in these days so everyone is watching and trying to pitch players into our environment.

“They know when those players come here they will develop and the same thing might happen to them, just like it did with Levi. You never know.

“We’re here to try and develop players.

“We want them to stay at Maidstone United but if they decide to move on, it’s our job as a recruitment committee to find a replacement.

“We are hard at work, we’ve identified targets but we have to make sure it’s right fit. We don’t have to rush it. There are still 23 league games to play.

“It’s not just getting the right player in, it’s getting the right character in as well.”

Maidstone tried to keep Amantchi but Bromley, having met his release clause, made the striker an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“I have to stress that Levi wanted to stay at our football club,” said Elokobi.

“The board, myself and the management team, we were disappointed he had to leave but we understand.

“It was our job when he came here to work with him and try to improve him.

“He’s come on so much in a short space of time and when that happens, scoring 20 goals, then you have suitors.

“Bromley made him an offer that we couldn’t match and it was important he looked at it.

“At the end of the season, Bromley might be in League 2 so it’s a great opportunity for him to go and progress his career.

“He leaves with our blessing. I know some of our fans are a bit disappointed but that’s life.

“Without Levi we have to adjust as a team, we have to move on as a football club.”