Tonbridge boss Tommy Warrilow is relishing the prospect of his first ever league game against Ebbsfleet this weekend.

Since the former Fleet defender took charge at Longmead in 2007, Angels have always been beneath their Kent rivals in the non-league pyramid.

But following Ebbsfleet’s relegation from Conference Premier last season, they are set to meet as equals in the Skrill South.

Warrilow said: “It shows how far we’ve progressed. A few fans will remember the Kent League days and now we’re playing Ebbsfleet in a league game. It’s fantastic.”

Saved from extinction in the summer and now backed by Kuwaiti investors, the Fleet are among the promotion favourites while Tonbridge are scrapping towards the foot of the table.

Warrilow said: “We all know what’s happened over there and good luck to them. I hope that one day we’ll be in that situation.

“You should never dread a game of football. If you do, you’re in the wrong business. I’m looking forward to it.

“I spoke to a few of their players in the summer but sometimes you have to hold your hands up. If I was a player, I’d want to be a part of it (at Ebbsfleet).”