AN injury and illness crisis has disrupted Atherton LR's preparations for Saturday's League Challenge Cup second round tie at Glossop North End.

Micky Bennett is out after undergoing a hernia operation on Monday, and fellow defender Ross McNair has a knee injury.

Steve Wynne, Gareth Strange and Jason Kay are feeling the effects of a bug, while goalkeeper Adam Lavin missed Tuesday night's home defeat by Abbey Hey after contracting conjunctivitis.

Striker Ben Obong should return for LR, who also signed defender Tom Murphy from Daisy Hill this week.

Atherton Collieries and Daisy Hill are also in League Challenge Cup action.

Collieries will have central defender Mark Parry and midfielder Steve Hughes back for their trip to Blackpool-based Squires Gate.

Both missed last Saturday's home defeat by Congleton due to work commitments.

Daisy Hill are away to Eccleshall.