WISBECH Town boss Steve Appleby has admitted his football-starved players are raring to go ahead of their home Bank Holiday Monday clash with Mildenhall Town.

After the Fenmen’s Christmas fixture at Newmarket was postponed - their fourth game in five to fall foul of the weather - Appleby is hopeful that Monday’s game can beat the cold-snap.

He said: “I think there should be enough of a thaw to allow us to play which is ideal because the lads are chomping at the bit.

“If you speak to most footballers at this level and ask them if they want a rest they never want one. They just want the games to come thick and fast because they love playing football.

“The break might freshen them up a bit but unlike Premier League players, who seem to complain about playing every three or four days, our lads just want to get out there.

“It’s like starting all over again - but were hoping that the players have done enough to stay fit and that the rustiness isn’t quite so bad.”

Wisbech drew 1-1 at Mildenhall in September and will be without defensive rocks Jon Fairweather and Paul Cousins for Monday’s return fixture at the Tom Wood’s Beer Fenland Stadium.

Despite their one-game suspension - for collecting five bookings each - Appleby isn’t overly concerned by the pair’s absence.

“We’re in the fortunate position that we have a decent squad now,” said Appleby.

“Jon Fairweather has been excellent and Paul Cousins is our leader but hopefully we won’t end up missing them too much.

“Stacy Cartwright has done really well when he’s played and has been unfortunate not to feature more. Anthony Reeve is a class act who would normally be in our side, so he’s absolutely chomping at the bit too.

“He’s had a stop-start season for many reasons and has had to wait for his chance but you can build your team around people like him.

“He was our player of the year last season so I’m sure we’ll be more than fine.”