BOBBY Haig is looking for a pick-me-up, in more ways than one. Player coach Haig has coughed and spluttered almost as much as Blackburn Hawks this week, but he is determined to rise from his sick bed and spark a renewed title bid.

Along with several members of his squad, Haig has been under the weather with a flu virus and unable to take the training sessions. But he will be back leading from the front tonight as Hawks travel to take on the current English Premier League leaders Milton Keynes Kings (face off 7pm).

The Kings - most people's favourites to take the crown - have lost only three times all season and have played up to five games fewer than other teams in the EPL.

"We have had a difficult week not knowing just who would be fit to travel, but we will give it our best shot," said Hawks official John Neville. "Our recent form has been a bit patchy but you could say that about most of the teams at the moment.

"The team which can put a run together now will have a great chance of lifting the title."

Hawks stand third, only a point behind the Kings who have the significant advantage of three matches in hand. The Kings are also the meanest of mean machines, having conceded only 65 goals, compared to the Hawks' 132. Interestingly though, Hawks have out scored their fierce rivals 166 to 136.

Solihull Blaze, who inflicted a humiliating defeat on the Lancashire lads last weekend, stand second with a point and a game on Haig's hopefuls.

Tomorrow Hawks entertain Wightlink Raiders at the Arena (face off 6pm) and hope another 1,000 plus crowd will cheer them to victory. Nothing less will do.

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