BLACKBURN Hawks’ general manager Graham Lomax insists his side will travel to league champions Billingham with “no fear” after taking an early advantage in the English National Ice Hockey League North One play-off final.

Goals from Jordan Bannon and Chris Arnone gave the Hawks a 2-1 first leg lead in front of a record crowd at the Arena on Sunday and Lomax is “quietly confident” they can finish the job this weekend.

Billingham Stars will go into the second leg as favourites, having lifted the league title, but Hawks’ stunning end to the season sees them travelling in bullish mood.

Lomax said: “We would have taken any sort of lead before it. Our form has been as good on the road as it has at home so we certainly don’t fear going anywhere.

“The toughest place to go in the league is Whitley Warriors and we won there. We are quietly confident and are going there with a one goal lead, so we are starting on the front foot.

“The team will be travelling up with around 100 spectators. I think everyone is nervous and excited about what is ahead.”