BLACKBURN Hawks are organising a warm reception for Flintshire Freeze as they visit the Arena tomorrow night for a return English League Cup match.

The Deesiders beat the Hawks in a bad-tempered tie on their rink back in November, but Hawks' coach Bobby Haig feels things will be very different this time.

He said: "That was definitely our worst display of the season, the lads knew that and we are aiming to put things right this time. We beat them twice in pre-season challenges and will be looking for a good win."

The fact that Freeze are managed by former Hawk's player-coach Mark Stokes adds extra spice to the Cup tie.

Apart from Eddie Cooper, who has still not recovered from a head injury, Haig should have the luxury of a full-strength squad to select from.

"Colin Downie has a bit of a groin strain, we let him off training on Thursday, but he should be fit," said Haig. "Flintshire are undefeated in this competition, but we will be going all out to put them back in their place."

Last weekend the Hawks went down 3-7 against Premier League side Invicta Dynamos in the English Premier Cup, but Haig was buoyed by their performance.

"The boys played very well, it was very pleasing. They had six foreign imports and they made the difference. Put just three imports alongside our British players and you really would have a top class team. I am very confident about our prospects."

Meanwhile, the English National League match at Sunderland, scheduled for tonight, has been postponed as the Wearsiders' rink is being developed, and the alternative venue at Newcastle is unavailable. The game will now take place on Sunday, March 4.