FIERY Wisbech front-man Tom Gosling is likely to be banned for the rest of the season. The striker was red-carded following a heated confrontation with the referee in the Fenmen s 2-1 Boxing Day win over Swaffham. He has been banned indefinitely after a s

FIERY Wisbech front-man Tom Gosling is likely to be banned for the rest of the season.

The striker was red-carded following a heated confrontation with the referee in the Fenmen's 2-1 Boxing Day win over Swaffham.

He has been banned indefinitely after a scathing referee's report on the player's conduct and the Cambridgeshire Football Association will hold a disciplinary hearing on January 7 to determine his future.

Wisbech boss Roy McManus said: "The referee was very bad and Tom received a really harsh yellow card before he confronted him. But I can't defend Tom's behaviour. The referee felt intimidated by him and that can't happen in football."

Gosling has developed a reputation as a bad boy in the local football scene after having a poor disciplinary record at former clubs Spalding, Holbeach and Pinchbeck United.

McManus said: "I've been told that Tom could be banned for six months and I fully expect they will throw the book at him. I think his reputation may have gone against him in this instance.

"I knew about Tom's reputation when I signed him but he's worked incredibly hard for us and made a big difference to the team with his strength, passion and work-rate."

The news is one of several major setbacks the Fenmen ended the year with.

Vice-captain and key centre-back Paul Cousins broke his foot 15 minutes into Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Dereham.

He has his foot in plaster and is expected to be unavailable for more than two months.

McManus is now trying to find a new target man and centre back.

Midfielder Davy Shepherd aggravated a foot injury and McManus expects the player to be out for a lengthy period.

Veteran centre back Steve Appleby missed Saturday's match with bronchitis, and midfielder James McManus had to be withdrawn in the second half due to illness. Both could be unavailable for several weeks.

Midfielder Stuart Ablett is set to serve a three-match suspension, club captain Lee Day is unavailable due to personal problems and goalkeeper Sam Kilby is still recovering from a back injury.

Manager McManus said: "We've had a fantastic Christmas and all of this just seems like a big kick in the teeth. The mountain we have to climb has just got bigger, but our fans have been fantastic. We had almost 300 at Saturday's match, the biggest in the league on the day, despite the weather being cold and miserable. Many of them understand the troubles we are having and all I can say to them is stick with us. Myself and all the players will do everything we can to repay that loyalty.