Liam Daish has left his players to train on their own after the big freeze struck to put Ebbsfleet’s season on hold.

The Stonebridge Road pitch was still covered by heavy snow earlier this week but Daish was planning two training sessions ahead of the home FA Trophy first round clash against Blue Square Bet Premier strugglers Hayes & Yeading on Saturday.

Three successive postponements, including Tuesday’s Kent Senior Cup tie against Maidstone at Ashford, means the Fleet have not kicked a ball since their 4-0 FA Trophy win over Bromley more than a fortnight ago.

Daish said: "I have let the boys do their own stuff, which I know I can do because they are all good lads. I think they are itching to get back together again.

"It’s not just about getting facilities to train, it’s also a problem about travelling in bad weather. We have to be wary about the safety aspect."

Daish has already had Hayes watched once already and planned to see Tuesday’s home game against Eastbourne. He did not totally agree the Fleet would be favourites for the tie, adding: "We played them pre-season and put on a good show. We just want to prepare well and play games to keep the good run going."

Former Fleet captain Peter Holmes is set to face his old club, having joined Hayes in the close season.