Joint boss Paul Cousins says he wants no repeat of the Fenmen's midweek defensive display which saw them ship four goals at home.

Town lost out in a seven-goal thriller against struggling Sleaford Town and Cousins says another defensive no-show could be big trouble when AFC Rushden and Diamonds – and their estimated 300-strong army of travelling army of fans - today for another United Counties League Premier clash.

'We only had ourselves to blame,' said Cousins.'We have to beat teams like that at home. Saturday's game against Kempston was a step forward but that was two steps back.

'We lost the individual battles and our defending was woeful as a team. There was no talking around the park. The lads have been playing long enough to know better.'

The Fenmen also saw striker Tony Battersby sent off for two yellow cards – the second for an alleged dive.

'The first yellow card was ridiculous,' said Cousins. 'The ball had left the keeper's arm and he put up his leg to stop it.

'For his second yellow, there was contact in the box.'

Wisbech is braced for its biggest crowd of the season tomorrow.

Cousins said: 'We need a reaction from the players otherwise we are going to get turned over big style by them.

'We can't afford to start the game like we did against Sleaford.'