BLACKBURN Hawks suffered a painful reverse at the Arena as Nottingham Lions completed a league double over their hosts.

Player-coach Bobby Haig and first choice netminder Colin Downie returned after missing games through illness and work respectively.

And despite a superior shots tally and goals from David Sheffield, Wayne Slater and Haig himself, the Hawks didn't really click and were overpowered by the Lions.

The result opened a three point gap between the rivals as they seek to qualify for the end-of-season play-offs, and Nottingham have a game in hand.

Haig said: "Nottingham are well-disciplined and play well, but we had our chances and should have done better."

The Lions roared ahead, hitting two goals without reply in the first period and extended the lead further early into the second session.

In the 26th minute, the Hawks finally broke through, David Sheffield lifting the home crowd's hopes after good work by Chris Black.

Hopes of a stirring comeback were quickly scotched, as Nicky Balchin claimed his second of the game to restore the three-goal advantage.

Into the final third, Stephan Bodwell completed his brace with the Lions' fifth on the night.

To their credit, the Hawks mounted a fightback. Black and Sheffield combined to give Slater a great chance which he promptly converted on 48 minutes. And Haig himself chipped in with a well-taken solo goal with nine minutes left to play.

"I am disappointed for the lads and for the fans who turned out in big numbers, I would have liked to have put on a better show. It was just one of those nights," said Haig.

Hawks: Downie, Barnett Scott, Leaver, Sharman, Tapp, Black, Derbyshire, Brunton, Haworth, Hulme, Fuller, Southall, Kinder, Sheffield David, Haig, Slater, Kelly, Smith, Sheffield Andy, Cooper

BLACKBURN HAWKS...3

NOTTINGHAM LIONS...5