Stanley boss John Coleman expects this afternoon's trip to Stevenage to be a hard fought one - as every game in League Two is.
The Reds and Boro have a historic rivalry going back to the 2010/11 season when Stevenage won the play-off semi-final.
Coleman knows that may be in the minds of supporters but certainly not players and staff.
“Every time I play I expect fierce rivalry so I don't expect it to be any different that Graham Westley's not there.
“I think the fans carry that role more than anything.
“I know I want to win the game, but I know I want to win the game the following week as well, like I wanted to win against Portsmouth, so my percentage of desire can't increase.
“Really, it's about 11 v 11, it's not about other people's perceived rivalries anyway.
Stanley haven't played a league game for three weeks but remain in fifth place in League Two.
And Coleman thinks it's essential to make a good start to the Christmas period.
“When you're not playing you just want everyone to draw, and there were quite a few draws on Saturday," he added.
“Everyone equates games in hand to three points and sometimes they can be a hindrance.
“We need to build on what we've started the season on, hope that this break doesn't de-rail us too much. But we've got to pick up points between now and Christmas and certainly the New Year and give ourselves a chance to go and get the success I think this squad of players deserves."