BLACKBURN Hawks’ fine unbeaten run came to an abrupt end at the weekend as they were beaten 4-3 at home by Telford Tigers.

The local ice hockey aces had previously gone a remarkable 11 games without defeat, but a disappointing display saw them lose ground on the race for the top spot in the English National Ice Hockey League.

Victory would have put Hawks right in the mix at the top of the table on a night that saw the top two cancel each other out.

However, general manager Graham Lomax believes Hawks are still in with a chance of catching the league leaders.

“It was a very disappointing result for us,” said Lomax. “We simply weren’t good enough and there is no shame in admitting that the better side won.

“It is always disappointing to lose in front of our own fans, but also to lose ground on the two teams above us – Whitley Warriors and Billingham Stars – who drew 2-2.

“That was the perfect result for us, so it was a real shame we couldn’t take advantage of it.

“It’s not all doom and gloom. There are four league games left now and the teams above us have got tricky matches, so we will just keep plugging away.”

Hawks will look to get back on track away to struggling Nottingham Lions this weekend.