Stuart joined Rushden from Grays in the summer of 2009

Rushden & Diamonds captain Jamie Stuart has vowed to "enjoy" Saturday's FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie with Northamptonshire rivals Kettering Town.

Diamonds, who lost in the first round to Brighton in last season's FA Cup, lie six places above the Poppies in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

"We know it's going to be a tough game and one to be wary of," Stuart told BBC Radio Northampton.

"But we're full of confidence and we'll enjoy it."

The 34-year-old added: "To get a little run in the Cup you've got to beat these sorts of teams. We would have liked an easier one but it wasn't to be."

Diamonds beat Kettering 1-0 at Rockingham Road when the sides met in the league in August - and Stuart made no apologies for the attritional nature of the game.

"It doesn't matter as long as we pick up the points," said the former Grays Athletic man. "We've played better than that and lost.

"It wasn't the best performance on the ball but we're showing good character of late. We're digging in and working hard for each other."

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