BLACKBURN Hawks face a tough double header this weekend, home and away to the formidable Chelmsford Chieftains, in the Premier Cup.

Chelmsford visit the Arena tonight, and the Hawks travel to Essex for the return fixture tomorrow.

Facing a team from a higher league is challenging enough, but Bobby Haig's squad have mounting injury worries which threaten to undermine not just this weekend, but also the climax of the English League campaign.

Inspirational player-coach Haig is sporting a plaster cast due to an injury picked up in last week's defeat at Whitley Bay. "I have damaged a bone in my wrist," he explained. "But I am hopeful of getting the all-clear for next week's game with Grimsby."

The bruising encounter with Whitley Bay also resulted in torn ligaments for Mark Gabbitas. At first it was feared he had a broken leg, but he could be back within three weeks.

Also missing tomorrow is inspirational goalminder Colin Downie who is still sidelined with an abdominal strain. Deputy Robbie Smith played well between the posts at Whitley, but will be severely tested tonight.

Craig Sharman will be out for the rest of the season. The leading hit-man faces an operation to remove cartilage in his knee injury.

Haig said: "We have been unlucky with injuries, but you have to get on with it. Chelmsford beat Solihull 20-1 last week and they have just lost their league title so they are keen to prove themselves." Face-off at the Arena is 6pm, doors open at 5.15pm.