It will be a case of friends reunited on Saturday when Ebbsfleet boss Kevin Watson takes on Ian Culverhouse’s King’s Lynn.

The duo played together at Swindon in the mid-1990s and remain good friends but that will be put to one side as their teams clash in the second round of the FA Trophy at Stonebridge Road.

“I played with Ian Culverhouse at Swindon so I know him very well,” said Fleet boss Watson. “I haven’t spoken to him since the draw was made.

“I was at Bishop’s Stortford when we were playing in the Southern Premier and he left King’s Lynn and they had a bit of a dip. But they’ve picked up again now and he’s back in charge.

“They’ve got good players, like Adam Marriott who I’m a big fan of having worked with him at Stevenage when I was assistant manager to Teddy Sheringham. Technically he’s very good.”

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It’s an ideal chance for Fleet to respond after last weekend’s 7-0 National League defeat at Barrow.

They might not be favourites to progress but Watson is demanding a reaction from his players.

“I want to win the game,” added Watson. “We’re coming up against a team that’s flying in the league below so we need to step up to the plate.

“I expect us to give a good account of ourselves. We’re a National League team and they are flying high in the league below.

“Some people’s opinion will be that King’s Lynn are favourites to win this game – but that’s not my view, though.

“I want to take the team as far as I can in the Trophy.

“It’s come at a good time for us (after losing 7-0 at Barrow last weekend).”

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