BLACKBURN Hawks have set their sights on two wins from this weekend’s English National Ice Hockey League double-header with fellow strugglers Newcastle Vipers.

Hawks travel to the North East later today, before hosting the Vipers in the return fixture at the Arena tomorrow night (face-off 5.45pm).

Hawks are currently bottom of the North Division 1, having lost their last 11 league games.

But after holding league leaders Nottingham Lions for much of last weekend’s meeting, new head coach Neil Abel is confident of picking up some much-needed points against the team directly above them in the table.

“This is the time to start collecting the points,” said Abel. “Newcastle are one of the weaker teams in the division and if we can keep the league leaders to a draw for 53 out of 60 minutes, we should be able to beat a team only two points ahead of us in the league.

“When I took over two weeks ago, I told the team it was a fresh start, but I would expect 100 per cent effort and commitment in training and at games.

“I’m glad to say the lads have taken it on board and are showing a much more coordinated approach already.

“I’m confident with a little time we’ll get up to speed and be challenging once more.

“It’s not about taking part anymore, it's about winning and that starts today in Newcastle.”

Hawks were without a number of key stars for the trip to Nottingham last weekend, but Abel will have a stronger bench at his disposal this time out, as the town team look to avenge last month's 3-2 defeat away to the Vipers.

“We had quite a few players missing for last week's match as some were attending a roller hockey tournament in Hong Kong, whilst work commitments and illness claimed another few,” he added.

“But this weekend we should have a full squad available, with the exception of Chris Arnone, who is still serving a lengthy ban.”