EXCITEMENT is at fever pitch for Blackburn Hawks. The ice hockey aces go into tomorrow's English National League clash at Nottingham knowing that victory would put the title within touching distance.

And assistant manager Graham Lomax is calling the game the "biggest in the club's history."

Hawks have just three league games remaining and Lomax said: "This is a match in hand for us and we are in a very strong position. It is vital that we stay focused for the remaining games as we have never been so close to our first league title and it is all getting very exciting.

"Nottingham is a difficult place to go, but if we can beat them, which I believe we are more than capable of, then it should go a long way towards our dream goal."

Hawks then host Nottingham at the Arena the following weekend, where Lomax believes a win would all but secure top spot.

Lomax added: "If we beat Nottingham in both these games then we will just be left with the game away to Billingham on February 19.

"If we were to be tied on points at that stage, then goal difference is not counted and it all depends on the last result between Billingham and ourselves. However, I believe we are more than capable of winning all our games and taking the prize without it coming to that."

Before the tense encounter with Nottingham, Hawks face Dundee Stars at the Arena for a Northern Crossover Cup fixture tonight (6pm).