CHRIS LAKEY Fakenham joint manager Kevin Boon has launched a scathing attack on the Norfolk FA after seeing four of his players ruled out by suspension on the eve of today's important FA Cup clash at Canvey Island - punishment for offences which occurred last season.

CHRIS LAKEY

Fakenham joint manager Kevin Boon has launched a scathing attack on the Norfolk FA after seeing four of his players ruled out by suspension on the eve of today's important FA Cup clash at Canvey Island - punishment for offences which occurred last season.

Captain Stuart King, central defender Robbie Palmer, central midfielder Jamie McManus and centre-forward Ben Darby will all miss the preliminary round game - with Boon's anger not helped by the absence of strikers Simon Bush and Kevin White and utility player Nicky Haynes, all through work commitments, and the possible loss of midfielder Wayne Anderson with injury.

“The county FA's suspensions start in the week of the FA Cup while other FAs, like Suffolk and Essex look after their teams and wait until next week,” said Boon. “It is ludicrous, there is no thought go into it at all. I am very upset because nobody has ever sat down and looked at it. Other counties look after their clubs, why can't ours?

“This is the last thing we need but we have to go with what we have got and, to be fair, that sometimes works in your favour, but not always. You just don't know with football, but it's such a shame.”

Anderson visited a physiotherapist in Attleborough yesterday afternoon for treatment on a knee injury sustained in last week's 6-0 thrashing of Yarmouth, but Boon is resigned to the fact that youngsters hold the key to Fakenham's progress against a side who were relegated to Ryman League Division One North last season after financial irregularities during their stay in the Conference.

Nathan Dyer, 17, who scored four goals for the reserve and a hat-trick for the youth team this week, comes in, while Boon will give another game to former Arsenal Academy youngster Josh Hull, who has joined the Ghosts from Heybridge Swifts.

“We will just have to use some of the youth players we've signed, but I know they won't let us down,” added Boon.

Wroxham are set on a mission of revenge at home to Aylesbury United.

Aylesbury eliminated the Yachtsmen in the third qualifying round last term, winning a midweek replay in Buckinghamshire 4-2 after a 1-1 draw at Trafford Park. But now relegated to the Southern League Midland Division, the Ducks have seen a complete change of player personnel, leaving Wroxham manger Damian Hilton optimistic that his men can make further progress.

“We are altogether stronger this season, and we want to better last season's record and make the fourth qualifying round.

“Most certainly we shall be going all out for a positive result.”

Andy Jackson plays in goal in place of Robert Woodcock, who is on holiday.