It's the biggest game in the division on Saturday and Stevenage's Nathan Thompson believes they have what it takes to down Oxford United - if they keep doing what they have been doing so far this year.

Boro are third, level on points but behind the U's on goals scored, Oxford with one more than their 14.

But Stevenage's start to the season has been exactly what the doctor ordered and the 32-year-old defender, signed from Peterborough in the summer, says there is no reason why they shouldn't add to their tally at the Lamex Stadium.

"Our stadium has become a bit of a fortress," he said.

"Oxford are a team that's been at this level for a long time and they possess a lot of quality players but we'll go with exactly the same sort of game plan that we've had throughout the season. 

"That’s very much on the front foot, defending aggressively and being ruthless at the top end of the pitch. 

"I think that rarely changes whoever we play against and it will be a good test for us. 

"It will show us where we are and realistically how good the start to this season has been. 

"If we can pick up three points, that would be massive for us." 

And the credit for their early season form belongs to the management.

Thompson said: "If you look at teams that have bigger followings or teams that have been established at this level for a longer period of time, you naturally assume it's a bigger game. 

"But there's no one in this league that worries us. We've got very capable players here and there are boys that have stepped up to the level that maybe haven't played at it for a period of time. 

"So it's credit to themselves and to the management team that have enabled us to go out and perform."