WISBECH Town boss Steve Appleby will miss only his third game in 28 years of non-league football when he is absent for Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Wroxham.

Assistant manager Chris Dear will take charge of the Fenmen for their titanic FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie, while Appleby will be concentrating on his duties as an usher at a friend’s wedding.

“I’m disappointed because I don’t like missing any games,” said the Wisbech boss, whose successful playing career included spells at Boston United, Kettering and Wisbech.

“I think that when you sign for a team as a player or a manager, you commit for the whole season. That’s the way I’ve always done it.

“I will be leaving my phone on for Saturday but it will have to be on silent. I won’t be nervous because I’ve got confidence in the lads and they will want to bounce back.”

The Fenmen faithful expressed their disappointment on the club’s fans’ forum after Paul Jones’ goal was not enough to prevent a 2-1 loss to Haverhill Rovers last night.

But Appleby refused to criticise his team’s performance and urged the fans to stay patient with the ambitious Ridgeons Premier Division outfit.

“We are still third in the league and it’s early days,” he said. “We tried hard last night but things didn’t quite come off. Yes we lacked a bit of quality but I couldn’t fault the lads’ efforts.

“I think people forget how far we’ve come in the last year or so. Judge us at the end of the season because things aren’t going to happen overnight.

“Last year we did well in the league and won a cup and there’s no reason why we can’t match that.

“There will be more defeats before we achieve our goal and there will be more moans and groans. But hopefully, in the end, there will be happiness.

“Sometimes I just wish supporters and critics could come into the changing room after a game and see the players’ faces when we’ve lost. They’re absolutely gutted and they give everything.”

Returning defender Jon Fairweather’s 50-yard fluke and a Liam Nimmo strike gave Wisbech a 2-0 win over Diss Town on Saturday.

Boston United midfielder Adam Millson, who has signed dual registration forms allowing him to play for Wisbech, featured in both games.

Saturday’s clash kicks off at 3pm at the Elgood’s Fenland Stadium. The Fenmen travel to Mildenhall Town on Tuesday.