Highlands United's injury crisis deepened this week with more than half the team walking wounded for tomorrow's crucial clash at Woonona.

The news comes as a bitter blow to the side dealt a crushing defeat at Albion Park last week, prompting United coach Brian Hollywood to read the riot act to his depleted squad.

"That loss last week dropped us two spots and we just can't afford to lose this one," he said.

"The injury situation is just nightmarish, in my time here there has never been so many of the firsts out.

"Every team goes through a tough patch but the real test of character is how quick they can get over it.

"This is our chance to bounce back."

But the sixth placed United will have to bury some haunting memories of a 9-2 drubbing in the corresponding match last season.

"That was really embarrassing," Hollywood said.

"Hopefully this match will give us a chance to repay a lot of little 'favours'."

Perhaps the sharpest blow for United is the loss of goal-scoring sensation Chris Spilarewizc to a hamstring injury sustained in last week's walloping.

Captain and defensive lynchpin Curtis Campbell will also miss the match after succumbing to a niggling groin injury.

Mick Reid (chest), Will Jakobs (ankle), Craig Hutton and James Donlan (suspended) will also be forced to watch from the sidelines.

"It's obviously disappointing to have so many injuries but we've got no choice but to get straight back in," Hollywood said.

"Unfortunately we're going to have to take players from reserve grade and youth grade which we really don't like doing."