Blackburn Hawks on relegation brink (From This Is Lancashire)

Blackburn Hawks on relegation brink

9:53am Wednesday 25th March 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Blackburn Hawks’ league status hangs by a thread after the local ice hockey aces conceded a last-gasp equaliser in the first leg of their relegation play-off against Manchester Phoenix.

Hawks will have it all to do away to the Second Division side in 11 days time following the dramatic 2-2 draw at the Blackburn Arena on Sunday night.

“Manchester are fighting to get into Division One,” said general manager Andy Slater.

“They had a full bench, whilst we were slightly short, but once again we didn’t take our chances and that’s what it boils down to.

“The team is capable of doing it – they know what to do and how to do it – they just need to give 110 per cent and make sure they go out and perform on the day.”

Hawks made the perfect start, with Rick Bentham firing home the opener with less than three minutes on the clock, before the visitors equalised towards the end of the first period.

After a goalless second 20 minutes, the home side restored their lead midway through the final period, as Les Millie made his mark.

Hawks looked to be heading towards a vital win, but with just 12 seconds left, Phoenix equalised to keep their promotion hopes very much alive.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)