BLACKBURN Hawks are without a match this weekend as original opponents Billingham Bombers are unable to fulfil the fixture.

The Hawks, who are unbeaten in the National Ice Hockey League's northern section in four matches, had hoped to see off their Teesside rivals, who also have a 100 percent record but have only played twice as yet.

The Hawks' player-coach Bobby Haig said: "Billingham's ice is 'down', so we can't play.

"It's disappointing but there's nothing we can do. We will train as usual and prepare for next week."

The Hawks will be without star man Greg Allen, who is struggling with a groin injury and could be out for a month.

The enforced break, however, could allow Eddie Cooper to recover from a facial injury without missing vital matches.

Last weekend, the high-flying Hawks were sent crashing by Premier League outfit Telford Wildfoxes, who cruised to victory in back-to-back Premier Cup group matches.

Haig said: "Telford are a good side, but they are not that good, we were just not up for the games.

"But we have done well this season, so you can't be too harsh on the lads. I'm looking forwards, not back."

The Hawks face another tough Premier Cup weekend with a group tie at Swindon on Saturday, October 23, before returning to the Arena to entertain Solihull on Sunday, October 24.