LEIGH Genesis boss Mark Maddox has given his players the hard word after describing their disciplinary record as “an absolute joke”.

Genesis have had eight players sent off already this season – three in their FA Trophy defeat at home to Garforth Town on Saturday – a record Maddox believes has been a significant factor in an alarming run of results that has seen them drop to the foot of the Evo-Stik Division One North and crash out of four knockout competitions.

Ahead of tonight’s league game at fellow-strugglers Harrogate Railway Athletic, Maddox said: “Discipline wise, I am going to be laying in to them because it's an absolute joke at the minute.

“Our poor discipline is costing us games and we can't afford any more red cards or ill-discipline.”

Maddox’s selection options are boosted by the return from suspension of player-coach Andy Heald, while experienced former Marine defender Adam Farley is in line to make his debut after Genesis beat Evo-Stik Premier League side Burscough to his signature.

Fellow Crilly Park residents Atherton LR, who were knocked out of the FA Vase by Runcorn Town on Friday night, return to Vodkat NW Counties Premier Division action at St Helens Town tonight.