A war of words has erupted between rival managers Nicky Southall and Steve Brown on the eve of the bumper Trophy derby clash between Whitstable Town and Ebbsfleet United.

Brown was seething this week after Whitstable were given special dispensation by the Ryman League to postpone Tuesday night’s scheduled game against Hastings United to allow extra preparation time ahead of the second round visit of the Skrill South side.

Brown said: “I’m not having it. Each league can make up their own rules and I can’t believe they’ve got away with that.

"Not them as a team, because you can only ask the question but I can’t believe the league has allowed them to cancel a game that’s scheduled.

“We wouldn’t be able to do it, that’s for sure.”

Southall hit back: “He should probably mind his own business and concern himself with his own club.

“We have to thank the league because they have helped us out but then they did the same thing last year with Hastings, before their big Cup game (at Middlesbrough).”