Ebbsfleet United manager Dennis Kutrieb reacts to FA Cup Second Round win over FC Halifax

Ebbsfleet manager Dennis Kutrieb hopes their excellent FA Cup run doesn’t take the focus away from their league campaign.

The Fleet reached the Second Round for the first time in 19 years on Saturday with a 2-1 win over National League FC Halifax.

It means they’re in Monday night’s draw and are one tie away from a potential meeting with Premier League opposition.

But Kutrieb’s number one target remains promotion from National League South – and he’s hoping there isn’t a negative to come from a cup run that has seen Ebbsfleet progress through four ties so far.

“It always can (be a distraction),” stated Kutrieb. “I’m scared in general because when I see teams having a FA Cup run they normally struggle in the league. That’s what I could see last season with Boreham Wood, St Albans and Kidderminster.

“From that point of view it is a bit concerning but we have a big squad so it should be alright. The good thing is the next FA Cup is pretty soon, we don’t have long to think about it as it’s in three weeks’ time.

“It’s another league game that we have to rearrange but it’s the time from now to the end of December where we have so many games to play. If there are games now cancelled for next January or February, I’m not really concerned but it’s this time that’s the concern.

“When you have to go every three days, you’re a bit scared and hopefully no-one gets injured.”

Dartford regained top spot in National League South but have now played three games more than the Fleet, who continue a run of Saturday-midweek fixtures when they travel to Hampton on Tuesday night.

Ebbsfleet banked a further £41,000 in prize money on Saturday to add to the £18,375 already collected so far.

Kutrieb feels it is well deserved as the club strive to