FC CLACTON’S squad could be “seriously stretched and tested” with two of their main attacking players set for the sidelines.

Skipper and striker Aaron Condon is suspended for the next three matches, following his red card in the recent loss at Gorleston.

He will definitely miss Saturday’s trip to Thetford and Tuesday’s home match against Brantham Athletic, both in the Thurlow Nunn League, in addition to the upcoming FA Vase tie at Newbury Forest.

Now they have suffered another blow after striker Ben Parkin (pictured left) pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury in the 1-0 defeat at home to Newmarket.

“It’s really bad news and terrible timing,” said Clacton manager David Coyle.

“Aaron is out for a while and now it looks like we’re going to be without Ben.

“We’ll have to wait and see, but he might end up missing one, two or three matches. I’d certainly be surprised if he’s available on Saturday.

“The squad is going to be seriously stretched and tested for what are actually three massive games.

“Thetford are a team we need to beat and they’ll be looking to claw back some points on us.

“Brantham is a local derby and will be very competitive and then there’s the Vase game, which is so important to the club.”

Centre-half Chris Ribchester had to be substituted last weekend because of illness but Coyle was hopeful he would recover in time for Saturday’s trip to Mundford Road.

Thetford are second from bottom, with four defeats and just two points to their name following their midweek draw against Mildenhall.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Clacton’s reserves led 2-0 but conceded two late goals and suffered a 3-2 defeat at home to Little Oakley A.

Denny Saggers and Sam Randall netted in the Essex and Suffolk Border League contest.

The under-21s maintained their unbeaten start to the Essex Olympian League season with a 2-1 victory at Academy Soccer.