NORTHWICH Victoria’s banned duo will not be forgotten this weekend, according to Andy Preece.

Skipper Simon Grand and top scorer Mark Danks both serve one-match suspensions as punishment for being booked five times this season.

“I’m gutted for them,” said Preece.

“They have been absolutely superb during the cup run so far, and in recent weeks they have been two of our shining lights.

“But they will be involved in every way possible, be that by doing interviews or playing whatever part in the build-up we feel they are best equipped to.”

Vics had pondered an appeal against Grand’s fifth caution – shown to him during their fourth qualifying round win over FC United of Manchester – because they felt the captain’s defensive partner Mat Bailey had committed the foul on Jerome Wright.

They needed referee David Coote to admit he had booked the wrong man. He did not.

Preece added: “We looked at the evidence. It’s not conclusive for us to appeal.”

Meanwhile 16-goals top scorer Danks, this week picked by league sponsors Blue Square as their north division Player of the Month for October, will only return to first team action for the trip to Stalybridge Celtic at the end of the month after earning an addition three-matches ban for his dismissal at Stafford last week.

“Both have been key to our success this season,” said Preece.

“Simon is a leader as well as a great defender, while Danksy’s goalscoring record speaks for itself.

“We looked at every possible angle at getting them in the game, but there’s just nothing we could do about it.”