Kettering must focus - Dempster

Dempster was Kettering's goal-scoring hero against Salisbury

Kettering defender John Dempster admits it is hard to focus on Tuesday's Setanta Shield tie against Telford because of Saturday's FA Cup game.

The Poppies face Premier League outfit Fulham at home in the fourth round tie which should be one of the biggest games in the non-league club's history.

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't at the back of my mind," Dempster told BBC Radio Northampton.

"But the manager comes down hard if he hears us talking about it," he added.

"The supporters - and everyone involved with the club - is looking forward to the game, and you can't help but feel the vibe around the place.

"But we need to be professional and concentrate on the mid-week game first," said Dempster, who scored the only goal in Kettering's 1-0 victory over Salisbury in the Blue Square Premier Division at the weekend.

Mark Cooper's side will travel to Telford on Tuesday night for a Setanta Shield quarter-final before turning their attentions to Fulham.

Defender Chris Arthur will not play in either game after QPR recalled him from his loan spell with the Poppies.