MARLOW Football Club have been hit by a flu bug ahead of their biggest cup match in years.

Midfielder James Pritchard and striker Nicky Ryder have both been snared by the bug in the build-up to Saturday's eagerly-awaited FA Vase fifth round tie at home to Northern League side Marske United.

But the club are confident both will be fit to join Marlow's quest for a place in the quarter finals for the first time in their history if the sodden pitch survives an inspection today. A decision will be made before Middlesbrough-based Marske travel down today.

Marlow have not played since they beat Stotfold in the previous round. Their match at the Metropolitan Police was called off last Saturday and Tuesday's Berks and Bucks cup tie at Chalfont St Peter was another washout.

Marlow could have done with playing at Chalfont in the week to give Daniel Pedley a run-out following his calf strain.

Assistant boss Derek Sweetman said: "It's been disappointing not to play but we've been able to train on the astroturf."

Tomorrow's match has come too early for Luke Evans though. He is still being troubled by a piece of floating bone in his foot.

Marlow have had Marske watched and know their best chance is to finish them off without the need for a replay.

Sweetman said: "Their league form is up and down. They don't travel well but are quite good at home. They're a bit like ourselves. They 're good defensively but they don't score many goals.

"We have had reports on them. But it's about us and how we perform. If we play as well as we can we can give any team problems."

Marske have also done their homework.Their manager made a 13-hour round trip to watch the Stotfold game.

Fans are advised to ring the information line on (01932) 710215 before setting out. If the match is postponed it will be replayed next Saturday.