Rival managers Steve Brown and Tony Burman are both relishing the prospect of next weekend’s huge north Kent derby in the FA Cup.

Ebbsfleet and Dartford are set to clash at Stonebridge Road for £12,500 prize money and the chance to tackle a Football League club in the first round proper.

It will be the 11th time they have met in the FA Cup – Dartford also knocked out Northfleet United in 1933/34 – but the first time for 12 years. And none of the previous cup clashes have been at such an advanced stage of the competition.

Ebbsfleet boss Brown said: "I had a wry smile when Dartford came out. It’s a juicy one for the media and the supporters.

"It’s a much more favourable draw for us than it is for Tony. Tony will think that’s about as bad as it could get."

Burman, though, was philosophical.

"That’s what happens in the FA Cup,” he said. "It was inevitable that it might happen but it’s a fantastic tie.

"We’re in a higher league, which suggests we should win, but cup football is a funny old game and that’s why it’s so exciting.

"We’re all looking forward to it."

Dartford are battling towards the foot of the Skrill Premier while the Fleet are striving to join them back in non-league’s top flight having been relegated in April.

Read all the FA Cup build-up in the Gravesend Messenger and Dartford Messenger.