WISBECH Town boss Steve Appleby is planning to “call in a favour” next week as he looks to sign a player to cover for his suspended defenders.

The Fenmen, who host Thetford Town in the league on Saturday, have Anthony Reeve, Paul Cousins and Jon Fairweather suspended for next week’s FA Vase clash with St Ives Town.

“It’s just for that one week that we’re short,” said Appleby. “I’m going to have to call in a favour from the people I know in football. I just need to get someone in for one game.

“Over the course of the last few seasons I’ve always tried to help others out - I just hope people return those favours when you need them.

“I’m confident of getting someone but if not I’ve always got a plan B.”

Appleby swooped for two players before Wisbech’s 10-game unbeaten run ended with a 1-0 defeat at struggling Felixstowe & Walton United on Saturday. Lewis Sturman, 18, signed on dual registration terms with Boston United while former Histon winger Deakan Napier, 21, is a permanent addition.

Appleby said: “Deakan can run at people, he’s fast as lightning and he had a very good debut on Saturday - in fact he was our best player.”

There was also transfer interest in Wisbech’s players this week as Wroxham put in a seven-day approach for Dubi Ogbonna. Appleby said he was delighted that his top scorer had turned down the move.

“When you’re doing well and you have people performing you’re going to get clubs interested in players,” he said. “It’s the nature of the beast.

“Dubi knows he can progress with us and if he keeps producing that form a higher club will take a chance on him. Then I won’t stand in his way.”

Reeve and fellow defender Scott Johnson are missing for Wisbech’s Thurlow Nunn Premier Division clash with Thetford on Saturday.

Appleby said: “We’ve got some big games coming up but they don’t mean anything if we don’t win tomorrow. It doesn’t matter who you beat in the league - you still only get three points.”