Whitstable manager Scott Porter has questioned the logic behind starting the season with FA Cup ties this weekend.

Porter’s side host Oakwood at the Belmont on Saturday in an extra preliminary round tie worth £1,500 for the winners.

The early start followed a proposal by Step 3/4 clubs, including the Ryman League, who wanted the preliminary round moved forward a week so as to offset the prospect of replays meaning they lose out on attractive August Bank Holiday Monday derbies,

The Southern Counties East League doesn’t kick off until August 13 and Porter is unhappy with the scheduling.

He said: “It’s frustrating. You normally play two league games before an FA Cup game.

“The FA are supposed to be helping grassroots football, so this speaks volumes for that.

“A lot of managers are not happy with it because it’s one of the biggest games of the season, the first FA Cup game, because there’s money at stake. It probably gives it an extra vibe because it’s a tough game.”

Whitstable are missing Craig Thompson through suspension, while Harris Rodgers and player-coach Brendon Cass are on holiday.

Michael Yianni is injured although Porter can call on Nick Treadwell having signed the midfielder from Ramsgate this week.

Oakwood play in Division 2 of the Southern Combination League, so Whitstable go into the tie as favourites.

They held Ryman Premier newcomers Folkestone Invicta to a 1-1 draw in their final pre-season friendly on Tuesday night.

Porter said: “It’s probably been the worst pre-season I’ve had as a manager because of holidays, injuries and things like that.

“Nick Treadwell coming in is a massive bonus for us and with players coming back from injury and holidays, with the team I’ve got, it’s looking strong."

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S WHITSTABLE GAZETTE