BLACKBURN HAWKS 3 PAISLEY PIRATES 5

MURRAYFIELD 5 BLACKBURN HAWKS 6 ISMO Rokola turned in a Fin-tastic individual effort last night as Hawks turned the tables on Murrayfield.

The flying Finnish star scored four goals to help Hawks pull off a tremendous comeback and wipe away the misery of Saturday's home defeat by Paisley.

But Hawks manager Mike Cockayne is concerned that inconsistency could prove Hawks' downfall as they fight to maintain a challenge at the top of ice hockey's new Northern Premier League.

"Consistency is the key and at the moment consistency is exactly what we are missing. There are times we look good and times when we look awful. The most encouraging aspect of the weekend came in the last period last night when we fought back brilliantly. We must take heart from that and build upon it."

Hawks found themselves trailing 5-2 at the end of period two at Murrayfield but took the final period 3-0 - including a penalty goal from Bobby Haig.

The Lancashire lads had to play the last minutes or so short handed following a penalty against player-coach Jimmy Pennycook. Once again new net minder Colin Downie was in sensational form to take the man of the match award for the second successive away game.

Period scores: 1-1, 4-2, 0-3.

Scoresheet: Jimmy Pennycook 0+1, Simon Mills 0+1, Ismo Rokala 4+1, Patrik Ferlander 1+0, Johan Goransson 0+1, Bobby Haig 1+0.

On Saturday Hawks were a big letdown in front of their own fans - a flat performance reflected in a flat result.

Despite taking an early lead through Tom Burridge, Hawks were hit by three quick scores from the Pirates. A goalless final period confirmed a surprise defeat against a team Hawks had beaten convincingly - away from home - the previous week.

Period scores: 2-3, 1-2, 0-0.

Scoresheet: Jimmy Pennycook 0+1, Simon Mills 0+1, Ismo Rokala 1+0, Bobby Haigh 1+1, Phil Brook 0+1, Tom Burridge 1+0.

Hawks played both weekend games without their skipper Paul Fleury. Fleury discovered on Friday that the finger he injured the previous weekend was broken in three places.

"Paul was in some discomfort and when he went for tests x-rays showed the three breaks. It is too early to say when he will be able to return," said Mr Cockayne. PAUL AGNEW By

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