New joint-managers Paul Cousins and Scott Johnson will take charge of Wisbech Town for the first time against Newport Pagnell Town today.

The two experienced defenders have worked alongside Dick Creasey since Steve Appleby quit as manager earlier this month but took over after Saturday's 3-1 home loss to Yaxley. Sixth-placed Wisbech, minus Stacy Cartwright who has joined Deeping Rangers, are 10 places above their opponents in the United Counties League (UCL) Premier Division, but Cousins is expecting a tough encounter.

He said: 'I have spoken to a few people I know at Splading and Holbeach to get some information about them. Like every other side in the league, they will be strong and physical, so it's up to us to earn the right to play.'

Cousins, 31, and Johnson, 36, are nearing the end of their playing days and look set to feature less on the pitch now they're co-bosses.

'If I'm honest I had not given much thought to management because I have always wanted to play but the chairman (Barry Carter) asked Scott and I to take the role and we both felt we had nothing to lose,' said Cousins.

'I have 14 years experience at this level and learnt a lot from good managers like Steve Appleby and Gary Setchell. Scott is very experienced as well. We have both picked up a lot of knowledge during our playing careers. There is definitely going to be one of us on the touchline unless we are really struggling for players.'