EVEN the knowledge that Tony Carss was having an exploratory knee operation couldn't wipe the smile off Peter Jackson's face today.
The Town manager is delighted with nine points from nine over the holiday games and feels his players have got the promotion bit between their teeth again.
Saturday's 3-1 win over Doncaster came with seven Academy products in the starting line-up and with seven senior players missing through suspension or injury.
Those included influential midfielder Carss, who is hoping today's keyhole surgery to his troublesome left knee will pay off.
"It's unfortunate for Tony, but he's having the operation because his knee hasn't recovered as it should and we want him back as quickly as possible," said Jackson.
"At least we will know the extent of the problem and how long Tony will be out, but as for the rest it's all looking good and that's great news on the back of our recent run of form.
"I was absolutely delighted for the lads on Saturday because they gave it everything, knocked the ball around well and created lots of chances.
"It was a cracking display in a great game and I'm sure every one of our fans enjoyed what was a tremendous advert for Division III football.
"Every single one of our lads worked their socks off, we produced some quality play and we are right where we wanted to be - in the thick of the shake-up at the start of the New Year."
Striker Booth (hamstring) is responding to treatment, as is defender David Mirfin, while keeper Ian Gray has been ordered to rest his damaged left hand before returning to the specialist in a fortnight.
"I have said to our players all through that they play for a wonderful club and, if they can just be more consistent, then we can achieve an awful lot this season," added Jackson.
"We have got Cambridge and Boston coming up and, if we don't lose our way, we could be in a very healthy position in a couple of weeks.
"Playing like we did on Saturday we will take some stopping.
"The spirit in the camp is great and if we can stay fit and strong as a squad of players and perform to our capabilities, then we have no-one to fear in this division, and I mean no-one."
Jackson brought back Nathan Clarke and Danny Schofield for Lee Fowler - who completes his two-game ban at the Abbey Stadium - and the injured Booth.
Nat Brown played up front and Jackson commented: "I thought the lads gave us their all and thoroughly deserved to win the match.
"Until they lost at Hull, Doncaster had picked up 40 out of 45 points, so they were bound to be tough, but we didn't give them a hope by playing extremely well and now we've got to keep it going. That's important."
