Manager Dennis Kutrieb thanked the volunteers that helped Ebbsfleet get their midweek clash with Eastbourne on, even if the result wasn’t what they wanted.

Dozens of helpers were on hand to move the snow from the pitch and get the stadium clear for the Fleet’s home clash with Eastbourne on Tuesday night.

The visitors ran out 2-0 winners in National League South but that didn’t mean Kutrieb regretted everyone’s efforts to get the game on.

“I’m so thankful for them,” said the Fleet boss. “I was here very early and everyone was working so hard to get the game on. I won’t take it for granted because this was a huge effort from everyone.

“The result was not the right one but it was still the right decision to get the game on because we should play games when it is possible.

“Everyone sticks together as a group and that’s what we do as a club. Since the first day I entered the door, I had the feeling that everyone was close and tight together and I appreciate that as you don’t always find it everywhere.

“They did their part for the game but obviously we couldn’t do our part so we have to move on.”

Kutrieb was also disappointed with the post-match reaction of his opposite number Danny Bloor. The Eastbourne manager felt the game should not have gone ahead despite the pitch being in excellent condition.

“It was very bad sportsmanship I have to say from Danny,” said Kutrieb. “I’m so disappointed, he tried to blame us after the game for getting it ready but he should say thank you to everyone for getting the game on [instead of] trying to provoke and say something negative.

“It’s not good sportsmanship, especially after you get a win. When you get a defeat and you are angry, I can understand it but after a win I think you should do better.

"We were struggling as well, we had illness and injuries but it doesn’t matter as we wanted to play football regardless of if our players are right or not right, whatever it is.

“To be nasty and naughty after the game and show bad sportsmanship is not for me, I’m not having that. They should be thankful that they can play and not ‘you shouldn’t play today’ and all those things.

“That’s nothing to do with football from my point of view because I’m always happy if I can play games.

"Hopefully we can be an example for other teams as well, to try everything to get games on.”