BLACKBURN Hawks hope to keep their unbeaten English National Cup record intact on Sunday, but it won't be easy!

The Hawks go head-to-head with league leaders Sheffield Scimitars at the Arena.

Last month, in the equivalent group match in Yorkshire, the two sides tied in a thrilling 'Roses' battle which ended 1-1.

On that occasion, the Hawks 'blooded' teenage goal-minder Nick Saxton, who turned in a superb performance, earning rave reviews.

Since then, the team's form has been inconsistent, although they did get back to winning ways with a 10-1 league thumping of Sunderland Chiefs last time out.

"I'm looking forward to playing Sheffield again," said player-coach Bobby Haig.

"We used to regard them as a bit of a bogey team, but I hope we've laid that one to rest now."

The Hawks currently head the Northern group, having drawn with Sheffield and beaten both Whitley Bay and Billingham.

The Scimitars will arrive in Blackburn hoping to overturn their rivals and take over at the top.

Apart from David Sheffield, who is still sidelined with a hand injury, the Hawks hope to be at full strength.

Face-off on Sunday night is at 6 pm. The Arena doors open for spectators at 5.15 pm.