Red Insure Cup final against Stanway Rovers may prove swansong for Wisbech Town boss Appleby

Wisbech Town boss Steve Appleby is urging his players to forget the club's troubles and win the League Cup today.

The Fenmen recorded their highest league finish for 16 years by claiming runners-up spot in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.

However, the Fenmen's board have turned down the chance to be promoted – opting instead to switch to the UCL – sparking outrage among many connected with the Elgood's Fenland Stadium outfit.

The league's best-supported club travel to Diss Town this afternoon for the Red Insure Cup final against Stanway Rovers, and Appleby hopes his men take the opportunity to bow out of the campaign in style, saying: 'The lads are all gutted about it but the right thing to do is look after ourselves.

'We all play to win and it would be a perfect way to end on a high by picking up a bit of silverware.

'At the end of the day we've got a quality bunch of lads and that's why I feel so bad. I had it happen to me as a player (club not taking promotion) and it's not a nice feeling.'

Appleby led the club to the League Cup, then known as the Ridgeons League Challenge Cup, by beating Wroxham 1-0 in 2011 – Wisbech's first trophy in 16 years.

But today could be a watershed as he admits: 'I will make a decision on my future after today. If the players decide to stick together I owe them a bit of loyalty. If they want to walk away I shall probably go as well.'

Frontman Chris Bacon (emigrating to New Zealand) and winger Matt Lunn (moving to London) will play their last games for the club.

Wisbech were without a game at the weekend while Stanway, who finished ninth in the Premier Division, lost 2-1 at home to Kirkley & Pakefield.