WISBECH TOWN boss Steve Appleby has defended his decision to field a weakened side in last night’s 3-2 Cambs Invitation Cup defeat at Cambridge City.

Appleby made a number of changes to Saturday’s line-up at Kirkley & Pakefield but insisted he had done so to give his squad a better opportunity in their hunt for Ridgeons Premier Division and FA Vase glory.

The Fenmen boss said: “Last year the Cambs Invitation Cup was the be all and end all. We’ve come a lot further now and want to finish a lot higher in the league.

“I don’t want to do a disservice to the competition but it’s probably last in our list of priorities. We did go there to win and played some great football at times.

“It was important to give players some game time and keep things fresh. Sam Murphy, a 17-year-old, came on and did extremely well so there were many positives.”

Appleby hopes inspirational skipper Paul Cousins can return to action in Saturday’s home match with Woodbridge Town.

Cousins broke his hand and dislocated a knuckle during last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat which ended the Fenmen’s seven match unbeaten run.

Appleby said: “Paul’s our captain and leads by example. He’s not only a fantastic football but he’s a big character who pulls everyone together.

“We have great strength in depth now to cover for injuries but we will always miss Cousins when he’s not on the pitch.”