ACCRINGTON Stanley manager Tony Greenwood faces a defensive nightmare ahead of tonight's ATS Lancashire Challenge Trophy final against Southport at Deepdale.

No fewer than four regular defenders are out, Les Thompson and Stuart Gelling who are cup-tied to Clitheroe and Lancaster City respectively, Neil Edmonds who has a knee ligament injury and captain Jez Baldwin who is suspended.

If that isn't enough, goalkeeper Steve Berryman is only 50-50 having trapped a nerve in his back and Rob Mulloy is on standby, likely to play some part.

"It's not an ideal scenario, going into an important cup final with so many players unavailable, but we have to make the best of what we have," said Greenwood.

"I'll be drafting in a lot of youth team members as cover but, hopefully, they won't have to be used.

"I'm satisfied that the players we have will do a good job."

Southport, a Vauxhall Conference side, are tough opponents, concedes Greenwood.

"They're a good footballing side, as you might expect, but they can only string passes together if they're allowed to," he added.

Great Harwood Town are also in action against high-flying Leigh RMI at The Showground (k.o. 7.30pm).

In the NWCL Division Two, Nelson have a tough home match against Tetley Walker (k.o. 6.15pm).

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