BLACKBURN Hawks are still in with a chance of winning the English Ice Hockey League North's play-off title, but face the toughest of tasks.

The only team they have been unable to 'cut it' against this season have been the Sheffield Scimitars. In seven league cup and matches against their Yorkshire rivals, the Hawks have lost four and drawn three.

But there remains one last chance to lay the Sheffield ghost.

Tonight, the two teams meet at the Sheffield Arena (7.30pm) in a make-or-break clash to determine the Northern group winners and earn the right to face Invicta Dynamos, the runaway Southern champions.

The Scimitars beat the Hawks 3-1 in their first play-off match at the Blackburn Arena just two weeks ago and currently head the group.

Hawks' player-coach Bobby Haig is under no illusions about the task ahead, though he remains optimistic.

"We were never at the races when we lost to them at home and the better team won on the night," he explained.

"It was 2-1 for a long time without us playing well and they only scored when we pulled the goal-minder and went all-out on the attack.

"We're not out of it yet and after beating Nottingham last week, we will go to their place fully focused on winning.

"It's a big shoot-out and after coming this far, we're not going to let go easily."

Haig is hopeful of having a full strength squad to choose from as the Hawks aim to finish their successful season on a real high.

The match at Sheffield has a 7.30 pm face-off and the Hawks are hoping as many supporters as possible will cross the Pennines and roar them on.