CLITHEROE'S Neil Reynolds will have an exploratory operation on his knee in two weeks time.

It was first thought that the midfielder had torn his cruciate ligament but a second doctor has suggested the injury may only be cartilage damage.

Striker Neil Spencer is also in line for an operation on a double hernia in two weeks time.

The Blues face Congleton at home in NWCL Division One tomorrow with manager Lee Sculpher having to patch together a side.

Lee Cryer is a doubt with a knee injury, although he may return for Tuesday's game at Nantwich, and midfielder Mark Stewart is suspended for a week - he will miss three games.

Chris Whittingham will miss the following week through suspension.

The Blues drew 0-0 with Ramsbottom on Wednesday night - just days after thrashing Abbey Hey 7-0 - but Sculpher said it was a typical local derby.

"We only had three or four chances but that's what it is like at this stage of the season. The pitch is hard and the ball bounces higher - well it does on our pitch because it is like a road! They defended very well."

Clitheroe are still waiting to hear if they have been awarded a grant to improve the pitch at Shawbridge.