Some clubs may see a two-week break in the league season as a chance to rest and reflect on the season to date, however, Stevenage boss Graham Westley wants to turn their free gap in the calendar into a “mini pre-season”.

Boro’s FA Cup first-round exit to Ryman League Premier side Maidstone United means the Lamex Stadium side are next in action at Newport County a week on Saturday (December 13).

The club have opened the doors of their training ground to any supporters who would like to attend this Saturday (December 6) to observe their training session where, according to Westley, Boro will be working hard to improve their fitness levels.

Westley said: “Anyone who looks at Stevenage up until this point of the season will say, ‘they have not been their formidable selves’ in terms of fitness and energy expected of a Stevenage team.

“Many clubs may decide to recharge their batteries during their two-week break but we have taken the opposite view. Let’s have a mini pre-season and put some miles in the legs.

“A lot of our lads have been out injured and thus missed a lot of training. We want to push the boys hard and their response has been fantastic.

“It has been so enjoyable to work with them this week. They have been awesome in their attitudes and application.

“I think due to this, everyone has dragged everyone else along, and that has upped the togetherness in the camp, which can only benefit us going forward.”

After 19 games, Stevenage stand 14th in League Two, six points off a play-off berth but despite a mixed start to the campaign, Westley is not using the break to dwell on the past.

He continued: “I use every day as a time for reflection and for preparation towards the next game.

“History is there and what is done is done. We can’t change that but what we can affect is what we do next. We are trying to add more points to the tally than we have in the first 19 games.

“Theres a really strong unity around making sure that we just get better, stronger and a much more ruthless team to play against.”