Histon set to take on Rugby Town, Daventry Town and St Neots Town during January in race for Premier Division South play-off places

Captain Max York believes that January could prove to be a pivotal month in Histon’s season.

With five victories from their last seven United Counties League Premier Division South outings, the Stutes have moved themselves up to eighth place with a gap of just three points to the play-offs.

And in the next few weeks Chris Nunn’s men have the opportunity to make up further ground when they take on sides currently housed within the top five.

Tomorrow they host third-placed Rugby Town at Bridge Road before travelling to face the same opposition in a swift reverse fixture seven days later. On January 18 they will have home advantage against fifth-placed Daventry Town before the month rounds off with another home encounter against St Neots Town, who are second, level on points with table-topping Aylestone Park.

And while there will still be plenty of points up for grabs after those four matches, York has conceded that the results are likely to have a lasting impact.

“There are some really good sides in this league, ones that will fancy their chances of winning the title or getting into the play-offs and we’re about to play some of them,” said the 33-year-old skipper.

“They’re important games and the next month could end up dictating how the rest of the season goes.

“Obviously it’s about getting three points in these types of games, but it’s also about stopping the other teams accumulating points as well. Even the odd draw slows them down, but we’re in a position where we need to make up a little bit of ground as well.

“Rugby back-to-back and then Daventry and St Neots – they’re really good sides and it will be tough, but it’s also a chance for us to stamp a mark on the league.

“It’s only just been Christmas so there is still a long way to go, but there is no doubt how important January is.”

This weekend’s clash with Rugby could mark the return of Danny Setchell, who rejoined the club earlier this week.

The midfielder, who had a brief spell with Histon last season, has played for Corby Town and Wisbech Town this term.

• For more from York – including talk on his 100th career goal – see next week’s Cambridge Independent print edition (out on January 8) and online from Thursday (January 9).