Billingham Bombers face their toughest weekend of the season to date, with back to back fixtures against third placed Whitley Warriors and second placed Sheffield Spartans.

The Bombers get the action underway Saturday night at Billingham Ice Arena (face off 6.30pm) as they host local rivals the Whitley Warriors in an IPL sponsored North East Derby.

Bombers manager Allen Flavell feels that nothing can be taken for granted

“Last time we played the Warriors way back last October they came out on top, but I think the 4 – 1 score line flattered them, initially it looked like Whitley could be run away league winners but their push for the title has taken a few knocks, they were turned over 5 – 0 by defending champions Nottingham Lions last weekend, and Sheffield Scimitars also recently took points from the Warriors".

"At the start of the season the Warriors had the tightest defence in the league, but if you compare Warriors over their last five games to the Bombers over our last five games Whitley have conceded 16 goals to Bombers 10. I know we go into this game as the under dogs, but Warriors can’t come to the Forum taking anything for granted”.

Saturday’s derby match is sponsored by Stockton firm International Procurement Ltd.

Allen Flavell welcomes the return of IPL who are bringing employees and family to the game.

“Many thanks go out to Colin Wilson Managing Director of International Procurement Limited for his involvement again this season. In these troubles times of hard trading IPL are striving forward together with VTI World leaders in the Supply & Refurbishment of Control Valves for the Power & Chemical Industries".

"Their support is greatly appreciated. IPL have also just moved into new premises at Blue House Point Road, Portack lane, Stockton. A great facility you and if you are part of the local industrial scene, you can reach them on Tel: 01642 625495 for all your Control Valve needs”

Bombers take to the road on Sunday for a mid afternoon face off (2.30pm) at Ice Sheffield.

Flavell admits his side have an intense weekend and Sheffield on home ice loom as a tough prospect.

“We have played the Spartans three times this season, having lost two and drawn one. We grabbed a last minute point two weeks ago, and that point will have a bearing on their push for the title, and our stake on a play off slot, so we know it’s going to be tough, after this weekend we only have four games of the regular season and two of them are against Whitley”.

"A couple more points will secure us that fourth place, and I think Bombers fans deserve to see their side make the play offs, we have finished just outside for the last two years, we know we can give Nottingham a game, we know we can take points of Sheffield, and anything can happen against the Warriors"

Bombers are currently in fourth in the league on 23 points, ahead of fifth placed Coventry on 19 points, with the Teessider`s enjoying a game in hand over their midland rivals.