FC CLACTON have suffered a blow ahead of next Sunday’s FA Vase trip to AFC Dunstable.

Centre-half Chris Ribchester has been ruled out through suspension, after picking up his fifth booking of the season in last weekend’s 4-0 defeat at Norwich United.

“It’s going to hurt us,” said Seasiders boss David Coyle, whose side entertain Kirkley and Pakefield at the Rush Green Bowl on Saturday.

“He’s our best defender and one of our most important signings.

“That said, we’ve kept clean sheets in the other two games he’s missed this season (against Stansted in the FA Vase and Felixstowe and Walton in the League Challenge Cup).”

Clacton visit Dunstable in a first-round proper tie next Sunday (November 1).

Meanwhile, Coyle is expecting a tough game against Kirkley.

“They’ll finish in the top six, so it’s testament to our start that we go into the game a few places and points above them, albeit having played more games,” he said.

“We’re above some very good teams and I’d have bitten your hand off, if someone had offered me this position in August.

“We’ve never been this high after 12 games.

“Now we want to stay there.”