GRAHAM Kemp has stressed just how important it is for Dorchester Town to pick up three points against Paulton Rovers tomorrow (3pm).

The two sides meet at the Avenue separated by just one point in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division table, with the visitors holding the slenderest of advantages over the Magpies.

County town boss Kemp admitted his squad’s confidence took “a little bit of a knock” after the setback at St Neots last Saturday, but he believes that if they play to the potential there won’t be any relegation worries this term.

“It’s a huge game for us,” said Kemp when looking ahead to the visit of Paulton.

“Getting the points against Corby the other week was great, but we have to beat the teams around us in the table.

“We haven’t done that in the last month so we need to start putting in performances against those sides.

“If we play to our potential then we won’t have any worries about finishing in the bottom four.”

Defending has been the focus for Kemp and his coaching staff in recent weeks, and the Magpies’ chief feels the players have to be more aware of where they are, even when the side is attacking.

“Defending is a collective team effort and I have stressed to the boys that it wasn’t good enough last Saturday,” he added.

“We have got enough experience and players who have played at this level and higher to defend better.

“Letting in six should be a one-off but it has happened a couple of times this season, so we need to stem that flow.

“We have a real attacking threat and can score goals right across the park.

“But when we do go forward it’s like everyone wants to be involved and we leave ourselves open at the back when we lose the ball.

“Sometimes players need to take a step back when everyone is going forward to make sure we are organised defensively if the other side breaks.”

Kemp’s attacking options have been boosted with Mason Walsh’s loan stay extended by AFC Bournemouth for another month.

Walsh and Lewis Brown bagged braces for the Magpies in a 7-0 win over a Dorset Army XI on Wednesday night. Robbie Matthews, Dan Smith and Dan Peart got the other goals.

“I’m really pleased we have got him for another month,” said Kemp. “He is a threat going forward and loves to attack full-backs.”

On the injury front, Jake Smeeton (hamstring) is set to be out for another two weeks after it was confirmed he has tendonitis.

Magpies (from): Walker-Harris, Hanger, Rolls, Walker, Dillon, Oldring, Murray, Gleeson, Crittenden, Robinson, Lanahan, Smith, Brooks, Parrett, Matthews, Odam, Walsh, Godfrey