LANCASHIRE Hawks are fighting against the clock in an eleventh hour scramble to boost the squad.

Manager Mike Cockayne is determined to give his side an injection of new blood ahead of the British Ice Hockey Association deadline on Monday, and has been on a search for new players for the past month. But apart from ex-Hawk Ian Plews returning to the nest in mid-December, the desperate hunt has remained fruitless.

Monday's deadline effectively means that Hawks must strike over the next 24 hours.

It was doubtful whether any new faces would be involved tonight - Hawks entertaining Murrayfield Royals at the Arena (face off 6pm).

"It's now becoming a question of time constraints," said Mr Cockayne.

"We've had several disappointments over the last weeks, and it's been far more difficult than we anticipated. But we're dedicated to improving the squad for the New Year and get what has been a disappointing season back on track before it is too late." Hawks wrap up the Christmas Cup this weekend with Murrayfield tonight, before travelling to face fearsome Telford on Sunday (face off 8pm). Canadian ace Adrian Lomonaco will face a late fitness test after having seven stitches in his head in a rough and tumble encounter with Kingston Hawks on Tuesday. The player - far and away Hawks' top scorer this season - would be a major loss to the team should he be faced with a spell on the physio's bench.

"Adrian should be fine, but it's important we give him a late fitness test," said Mr Cockayne.

"He's been a real powerhouse for us this season, and it's no surprise he comes in for a lot of stick when we play. Other teams have started to single him out a bit more, but he's a professional and is keen to do well for us."

Hawks face a torrid time for the next two months to turn round a disappointing first half to the season - and Mr Cockayne for one won't mind seeing the back of 1997. "We've had an indifferent season so far and we've had problems adjusting to the pace of some of the Southern League sides. But the team is a more balanced and confident side than at the start of the term, and we should be able to start to turn things around."

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