AN INJURY to netminder Robbie Smith, which could undermine Blackburn Hawks' end-of-season charge, took the gloss off a 6-4 challenge win against Camperdown Stars.

The Hawks beat the Dundee-based Scottish league leaders 6-4 in a hard-fought contest, but Smith's injury provided the main talking point after the game.

The unfortunate minder picked up a serious groin injury midway through the second period and his promising season could be at a premature end.

With Colin Downie currently unavailable due to work commitments north of the border, the Hawks were down to one senior minder in Smith, with teenage rookie Nick Saxton as his deputy.

To their credit, both Smith and Saxton have been in great form, helping the ambitious Hawks into the league play-offs and a strong position in the English National Cup.

Player-coach Bobby Haig said: "I feel sorry for Robbie, it's a real blow for him and the side.

"Nick Saxton came on and performed well, but he has to play in his own age group and we can't depend on him.

"There is a contingency plan in place and we are hoping to borrow a goalkeeper until the end of the season."

The good news for Haig and assistant coach Paul Holden was the return of David Sheffield, playing his first competitive match since breaking his wrist.

"He proved his fitness with half a match and capped the return with a goal."

In what turned out to be a feisty challenge match, the Hawks took the lead with two goals in the ninth minute, courtesy of Neal Haworth and Adam Fuller. A brace from Andy Samuels evened up the first session, but the second belonged to the Hawks who hit four without reply.

Adam Leaver and Sheffield nudged the Hawks ahead and Haig himself hit two past Charlie Ward to make the score 6-2 going into the final session.

The Scots upped the tempo with 12 shots to the hosts' six, scoring twice but it wasn't enough as the Hawks ran out worthy winners.

Haig said: "For a so-called friendly challenge, it was a bit of a niggly game. I don't think the lads put as much effort as they might. I don't blame them and I'm very pleased with the end result."