Guildford 7 Lancashire Hawks 1 ; Lancashire Hawks 3 Telford Tigers 6

RETURNING hero Ismo Rokala couldn't halt Lancashire Hawks freefall this season as Hawks plummeted to nine losses on the trot - but it's not through want of trying.

And there is hope - and so says new boy Rokala.

The Flying Finn joins Hawks in the middle of a purple patch - he holds the leading goalscorer title for his division in Finland - and is upbeat about the rest of the season.

"It's great to be back in Blackburn - I only have good memories of playing here. But it has been hard this weekend because it was my first game in England for some time" he said.

"But I am sure we will be able to score more goals and I am determined to help Hawks fight back - and I am positive that's what we will be able to do."

Rokala slotted straight back into the Hawks as though he had never been away, but once again it was a case of quality over quantity, as Hawks battled hard against the riches of the National League sides.

Sunday saw a freshly determined side, whose workrate could not be faulted against the visiting Tigers. But, as we have seen so many times already this season, in the balance of world class players Hawks fell way short. Although a smaller squad, Tigers brought nine GB quality/import players to the Arena.

Netminder Barry Hollyhead defended bravely against a 53-shot barrage compared to Hawks' 32, but Hawks still refused to buckle under constant pressure and were even 1-0 up at the first period.

But the Tigers greater staying power won through and by the third round were more than a match for flagging Hawks.

Sunday - period scores: 1-0, 2-4, 0-2.

Goalscorers: Jim Pennycook 1+0, Jeff Daniels 0+2, Rokala 0+1, Hough 1+1, Lomonaco 1+1.

On Saturday loan-star Canadian Import Jeff Daniels stole the show for Hawks at Guildford with an unassisted single goal in the second period.

But it was too little too late with the home team already 7-0 up.

Nevertheless the will to win was clearly evident after last week's clear the air session and with Rokala giving Hawks an extra kick, things can only get better between now and March.

Period scores: 3-0, 4-1, 0-0.

Goalscorers: Jeff Daniels 1+0.

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