NO-NONSENSE Blackburn Hawks player-coach Bobby Haig has been in ice hockey too long to take anything for granted.

Statistically, Hawks are earmarked for a home win over Oxford Foxblades at the Arena tomorrow night (face off 6pm).

But Haig is leaving nothing to chance, writes PAUL AGNEW.

"Oxford have only recently taken to the ice after shutting down for a few years, so they're something of an unknown quantity. But what we cannot afford to do is underestimate them, or indeed any team we face this term.

"On paper we should win. They've twice lost to Wightlink this season, 14-2 and 11-2 and we have beaten them twice, so in theory we shouldn't have too much trouble. But we can't and won't approach the game in that manner."

Haig is more concerned with Hawks' away trip tonight when they tackle the dangerous Swindon Chill (face off 5.30pm).

It's been a few years since the two outfits last faced each other, and the Hawks player/coach is mindful of the last time they met. "We haven't played Swindon for a few years now, but the last time we met in the National League they were a very strong side. By all accounts they are a tough side now - and it will be a very testing game for us, especially on their ice."

Hawks are boosted by the rapid return to form of two top stars - hitman Andrew Dickson (flu) and defenceman Tim Dempsey (leg) have been been struggling in the week, but Haig is confident both will figure.

"We can't afford to be letting in more than three goals and we've been spending a lot of time on defensive play in training to try and tighten up the back line. But it just takes time. The Cup run has given us a great opportunity to play together and learn each other's strengths and weaknesses.

"We just want to put on a good show for the fans, and to get more in through the doors. The best way to do that is to be winning games."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.