Billingham Bombers playoff hopes hinge on the result of a must win, last game of the season against North east rivals Whitley Warriors.

Sundays match at the Billingham Forum Ice Arena (face off 6.30pm) will decide if Coventry (subject to beating Blackburn on Saturday night) or the Bombers finish in fourth place.

But Bombers manager Allen Flavell knows a win against the Warriors is a tall order.

“We have not taken a point of Whitley in our last three games against them, at times it has been close and mistakes have cost us “.


“Our performance against Blackburn last weekend was top drawer, we put some good passing plays together, and we at last found form in front of goal, absorbed the physical side of Blackburn’s game and kept our playoff ambitions alive”



“When we look back at the season, we know we can contend, we are one of only two teams to beat league leaders Nottingham on their own ice, we have took points in three out of four games against Coventry, our biggest problem all season has been consistency”

"if we show the same spirit and team play that we did last weekend, I think the Warriors could get a tougher game than they expect, and Coventry may be edged out".

" Our destiny is in our own hands (and Blackburns) I will be looking out for Saturdays result and no one can blame me for hoping that Blackburn can put out the Blaze".


“We always set our target as a top four finish each season, this year it is more important than ever”.



“The Forums closure for refurbishment is now under three months away, that is a huge loss to our junior players, senior players and loyal supporters”



“Constructive talks are ongoing regarding the provision of a temporary pad, however no guarantees have been given, and we could be in the last three months of ice sport on Teesside”



Whitley Warriors will be missing four influential youngsters including hard to beat goalie Tom Murdy along with Nathan Salam, Callum Watson and Jack Watkins all called up to the Great Britain U18s squad for the World Championship qualifiers in Estonia.

Allen Flavell thinks it would be wrong to read too much in to the loss of their young guns;



“Whitley won’t be at full strength, but they will still turn out a big bench, including some very skilful and experienced players, we have to look to our strengths, and perform at our highest level, if we do the game is there for the winning.



A win for both Coventry and Billingham this weekend, would see the sides tie on 27 points, but the Bombers would make the play offs, as they have better results against Coventry. At the top of the table a win for Sheffield against Kingston would see Sheffield steal the title from long standing leaders Nottingham Lions.