EGREMONT Rangers are no strangers to Challenge Cup shocks - but if they pull off a giant-killing at Bootham Crescent tomorrow they will have to do so without four key men.

The Cumbrian amateurs memorably beat pro neighbours Workington 18-0 back in 1998.

They have hopes of another stunning success away to York City Knights in this year's third round (3pm), especially given the way they defeated National Conference League premier division rivals Wigan St Patrick's in round two.

However, stand-off James McDonald (knee), second-row Mike Ellwood (shoulder) and BARLA international hooker Marcus O’Brien (shoulder) all suffered injuries against St Pat's, while player-coach John Paul Brocklebank (knee) - back in the amateur arena after two years with Whitehaven in the Championship - will also miss out after injury against the Army in round one.

Knights boss James Ford nevertheless said his side cannot be complacent as they themselves seek winning form following the extra time League One Cup defeat to North Wales in last week's season opener, and ahead of the league trip to Barrow next Saturday.

"We've played a couple of amateur teams in the recent past and they've always done their competitions proud," said Ford. "We expect Egremont to do the same.

"They will come representing their area wanting to do themselves proud. They'll want to rip into us."

York are obviously big favourites but, when asked if scoring or conceding a certain number of points were aims, Ford said the focus was on "being better than we were last week".

He explained: "There were lots of positive aspects last week. We did some things to an outstanding level and some to a poor level. I've seen the players do them much better in the warm-up games and in practice and I'm sure they'll do those things much better this week.

"How we came away from our try-line was excellent. It was probably the best any team has done that for me.

"But we need to execute plays in good ball better and attack with more organisation and fluidity. That will come on as the team matures and gets more comfortable with one another.

"Our defence in and around the ruck also needs to be better. We need to win more tackles and control the tempo of the game more effectively.

"The aims will be to improve those things."