JIM Pennycook's message for Blackburn Hawks is simple: stop the rot.

The player coach takes the inconsistent Hawks into a double header this weekend declaring: "We've got to sort things out right here and now."

Ahead of tomorrow's home date with Murrayfield (face off 6pm), the trip to Ireland to tackle table proppers Castlereagh on Sunday, Pennycook is in determined mood.

"What happened last weekend in Dumfries was a big disappointment. A performance like that just won't do, and we have to get it right this weekend. The next two games present a great opportunity for us to get four points under our belt. Training has been positive this week and I want to lift everyone for the weekend.

"Neil Abel should be back on the ice this weekend, which will be a major boost to the team. Neil is a valuable player to the team and his return will provide us with a solid defence to build on." Hawks' Northern Premier League record this season has been less than spectacular. Last weekend's game with Dumfries Vikings saw a high-octane first period from the Hawks. But, and the story is a familiar one, the Vikings came back to clinch the game 9-5.

"We need to be much more consistent," says Pennycook. "To come back from a potential two points to a 9-6 deficit is unforgivable and very disappointing. We cannot allow it to happen again.

"We're often unbeatable for the first period, but we can't allow ourselves to get complacent. We need to work hard until the last second is played. We know the problems the team have and we are working hard to iron them out."

Skipper Paul Fleury is out of the games this weekend with three broken ribs following a nasty collision with the advertising boards at Dumfries.

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