Striker Chris Bacon is backing Wisbech Town to fire without him on Saturday as the Fenmen go in search of another FA Vase victory.

The former King's Lynn frontman has been a big hit for the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division title-challengers, scoring 48 goals in little more than a season-and-a-half at the Elgood's Fenland Stadium.

However, Wisbech's supporters' player of last term is suspended for his side's fourth-round trip to Gornal Athletic, weather permitting, and Bacon admits he has only himself to blame for getting sent off against Godmanchester.

The powerful frontman, 29 today, said: 'I'm completely choked. But that's part and parcel of what happens when you start making silly mistakes on a football pitch. It was a moment of madness from me. I'm 29 but I'm still learning. You never stop learning as I can see the result of my actions – I'm going to miss this vital game. In saying that, I've just got to take it on the chin and go and support the boys from the sidelines.

'From a selfish point of view I'm upset that I'm missing the game but from a team point of view I've got every confidence in the boys. I've got so much belief in the lads and Apps (Steve Appleby, boss) is doing a great job.'

Wisbech reached the last 32 last season before exiting the competition, after a replay, to eventual winners Dunston UTS. Despite 16-goal Bacon being unavailable for the trip to the Midlands, the talismanic ex-Linnet believes Wisbech have got more than enough strength in depth to keep their dreams of reaching a Wembley final alive.

He said: 'Dubi (Ogbonna) has been on fire and he's been scoring goals (17). There's quality right throughout our team and fortunately it looks like Cousi (Paul Cousins, captain) is going to be fit too. The goals are being shared about so it takes the pressure off certain individuals to score. At the end of the day you only need to look at the quality of the squad. We've made some great investments and if we work for each other on our day we'll give anybody a game.'

Wisbech will be rewarded with a huge trek to Cornwall (Bodmin) or Northumberland (Ashington) if they win.