As Blackburn Hawks prepare for their semi-final showdown with Whitley Warriors, head coach Jared Owen is confident his side can beat the champions and book their place in the play-off final.

Hawks stunned Whitley last weekend with a thrilling 4-2 victory over the previously unbeaten side in the first leg, in what Owen described as Blackburn’s best performance of the season.

Now, Hawks head into the Sunday’s second leg knowing that avoiding defeat will see them through.

However, despite having a two-goal cushion to protect, Owen insists his side won’t sit back on their slender advantage.

“We had a really good training session on Thursday night and the lads are geared up for this important game,” he said.

“We can’t afford to sit back on our lead, so we will try to go forward and get some more goals.

“We are going there with the right attitude and I am confident that we can play some good hockey and go through to the next round.”

Owen also highlighted the role the fans have played in Hawks’ end of season success.

He added: “We definitely have the best fans in the league and they give the boys a huge boost during the games.

“I know we will have a good following this weekend and it certainly makes a massive difference when you have so many supporters behind you.”

Hawks will take a full-strength side to the North East and are able to welcome back Rick Hughes, who was suspended for the first leg last weekend.

Should Whitley level the scores on aggregate, the tie will be extended into sudden death.

If Hawks progress, they will face either Coventry Blaze or Nottingham Lions in a two-legged North play-off final.

Hawks and Whitley Warriors face-off at the Whitley Bay Ice Rink at 5pm on Sunday.