Hemsworth Miners Welfare have suffered no less than seven injuries to players during their opening three pre-season friendlies.

All the players with be out for periods ranging from 2 weeks to Christmas, with the most serious requiring a cartilage operation for centre-half John Leach.

Another player who could be out for a while is midfielder Andy Davis who also has knee trouble.

All injured players have had treatment and are on rehab programmes, and skipper Paul Banton could miss the start of the season with a calf strain while new singing Kevin Duckworth is also struggling to make the big kick off on August the 8th with a hamstring problem.

Young full back Craig Conway is working hard to get fit for the start of the season following his knee injury which he picked up in training and Adam Cracknell has floating bone in his right ankle and may need surgery.

The tally is complete with winger Graham Phillips who pulled up with a hamstring injury against Nostell Miners Welfare on Tuesday night.

Manager Andy Cracknell said: "Fringe players will have to come in a do a job to get the team through this difficult period.

"Several youngsters will also a run out and hopefully take their opportunity to claim a shirt."