Dartford assistant boss Paul Sawyer admits the club are disappointed to have missed out on a bumper festive derby with Ebbsfleet as they prepare to make their Blue Square Bet South debut.

However, Sawyer, pictured, who will oversee the Darts’ friendly at home to Dagenham on Saturday with manager Tony Burman unavailable, said they would still look forward to facing Welling, his former club, on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

He said: "To be honest, I think it has been difficult for the league this year, with Dover, Ebbsfleet, Dartford, Welling, Bromley and Thurrock to consider.

"It is not ideal and it would have been lovely to play Ebbsfleet in the big games over Christmas and New Year, but there are a lot of local clubs to consider.

"We have got a game against Ebbsfleet after Christmas and we have them in an early game and you always like to play your rivals early on.

"We have a Bank Holiday weekend double-header at home to Ebbsfleet and then at Chelmsford to look forward to."

Darts’ pre-season campaign begins against the Daggers before the visit of Gillingham on Tuesday.

What do you think about the decision to not have Dartford and Ebbsfleet meet on a Bank Holiday? Have your say below.