Wisbech Town could be robbed of a high-profile derby clash after Spalding United were hauled in front of the FA for allegedly fielding an ineligible player.

Hundreds of fans are looking forward to making the short trip to Lincolnshire for Saturday's mouth-watering FA Vase third round tie between the two United Counties League Premier Division clubs. But the Tulips could be thrown out of the competition if the result of a hearing at Wembley goes against them.

The FA confirmed the UCL table-toppers – who have won a record 17 league games on the bounce – were in London yesterday to face the charge, which relates to their 3-0 win at Walsall Wood in the last round. If found guilty, Spalding could receive the same punishment as AFC Portchester who were kicked out this term for a similar offence. The side they beat to progress, Shepton Mallet, have been reinstated.

Joint Wisbech boss Paul Cousins, whose side host Eynesbury Rovers tonight, said: 'If the fixture gets moved it's very short notice. We could have to travel to the Midlands. That's not ideal with players who have agreed to work on Saturday as they thought we were only playing at Spalding. But we'll see what happens.'

The big spenders may be forced to replay the tie – or Wisbech could simply be handed a 226-mile round trip to face Wood instead. A decision is expected today.