BLACKBURN Hawks sealed their fifth win of the season in Moralee North 1 but they were made to work for their 7-4 victory by the rock-bottom Nottingham Lions.

The Nottingham side have yet to win a game this season but led 2-0 a the end of the first period thanks to goals from Thomas Palmer and Ollie Ellis.

The Hawks, who were short on personnel and had to play young GB netminder Harrison Walker as an outskater, hit back in an entertaining second period where both teams shared seven goals.

The home side had more fight about them and finally got on the scoreboard with a goal from player-coach James Neil, followed by a stunning slap shot goal from Jack Murray – only for the Lions to score immediately through Hamish Hall to restore their lead.

Although the visitors continued to look dangerous – especially on the counter attack – it was the Hawks that claimed another brace of goals from local lad James Riddoch and Czech import Petr Valusiak to take the lead for the first time in the match.

The Hawks struck early in the third period with two quick goals by Lee Pollitt and Valusiak to extend their lead. But the Lions got a goal from Luke Thomas to keep them in touch.

The Lions, with a powerplay and a six on four advantage, opted to play without a netminder but it back fired as Aaron Davies scored to make it 7-4.

Hawks travel Whitley Bay to take on the table-topping Warriors on Sunday.