Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson has banned any talk of the FA Cup.

Dowson takes his charges to Guildford City on Saturday in the first qualifying round, believing the pressure of the “greatest cup competition in the world” can have an adverse effect on players.

And Guildford City, unbeaten in Evo Stik Southern League Division One Central and averaging three goals a game, will pose a tough proposition.

Dowson said: “We love the FA Cup but there is always talk of it being the greatest cup competition in the world and just how important the prize money is to clubs.

“We’ve treated it like that in the past and I think it can put too much pressure on the players.

“Of course I’d love a good cup run but we’re treating it like any other game and talking about the FA Cup is banned.

“I went to see Guildford and they look like a strong side with some very good players. They are up at the top of their league and they beat Tonbridge Angels in the cup recently, so they have been successful.

“We might go there as slight favourites, but that is all it is.”

Ks go into the tie in buoyant mood after Sunday’s 3-1 win over Leiston lifted them to third in the Ryman League Premier Division.

They are level on points with Margate and Bury Town, who they play upon the resumption of league action on September 15.

Moreover, Ks are the division’s leading goalscorers having hit the back of the net 14 times in five games, something Dowson believes will come as a surprise to some onlookers.

He said: “We no longer have a Bobby Traynor who can bang in 20 goals a season, so our ability to get goals from all over the field is vitally important.

“Matt [Pattison] from midfield and Aaron [Goode] from defence have got a few between them, and the centre-backs have scored off set plays.

“Added to that the front line is scoring goals, so we are in a good position.”