DOVER Athletic officials are furious after their FA Trophy tie at Scarborough was called off twice this week.

The Yorkshire club called off Saturday's scheduled match at lunchtime on Friday, saying that they wanted to avoid giving Dover a wasted journey.

But the Kent club claim the pitch had been playable on the Friday, and they would rather have taken a chance on the weather by trying to play the game on Saturday.

The match was called off again on Tuesday, and the clubs are now due to meet on Tuesday, February 11.

Dover have refused Scarborough's request to play the tie through extra time and penalties and, if they draw, will insist on a replay at The Crabble on Monday, February 17.

Manager Clive Walker's preparations have been further hampered by the fact that this weekend's Dr Martens League match against Hednesford will be played on Sunday, giving his players only one day off before travelling to Yorkshire.

Dover director Steve Cattermole said: "We are extremely concerned at the actions taken by Scarborough.

"We have already made a complaint through Dr Martens League secretary Dennis Strudwick at the postponement of Saturday's tie considering the pitch was playable on Friday lunchtime and theoretically only the weather forecast influenced the referee.

"We had already paid for the coach, an evening meal and overnight accommodation and much of this cost has been lost, before considering the players, staff and supporters who had taken time off work."