Blackburn Hawks pulled off one of the results of the season by beating top-of-the-table Sheffield Spartans.

Sunday’s success saw the Hawks climb out of the bottom two and assistant coach Gary Buckman hopes his side can now go from strength to strength.

“The lads worked extremely hard for the full 60 minutes, without giving away any penalties,” he said.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more. They played absolutely brilliantly and gave 110 per cent, which is what they have to do from now until the end of the season.”

Hawks had suffered three narrow defeats away to Sheffield already this season and Buckman added: “The lads were well aware of that, so it was definitely nice to get one over them.

“Beating the league leaders was a top performance, but this is the level we should be at.

"That standard of hockey is what they’re capable of achieving, it’s just a case of getting them to understand that.”

Eager to impress in front of their home fans, Hawks started strongly and took an early lead through Aaron Davies.

Sheffield equalised on the nine-minute mark, however it was Hawks who looked more likely to score again, as the first period ended with the two teams tied.

The Spartans came out with a renewed enthusiasm at the start of the second period, and but for some outstanding saves by Matt Michie they would have taken the lead.

As it happened, it was Hawks who struck again, with Rick Hughes firing home on a power play after 37 minutes.

The final period was again played with the same impetus as the previous two, with the Spartans again forcing the play.

But again it was the Hawks who made the most of their chances, with Dave Meikle scoring a late double to seal a wonderful win.