Match Preview: Warriors v Stars 190223

BILLINGHAM STARS are in derby action in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 later this afternoon in a rearranged League fixture against Whitley Warriors.

Previously a free weekend for the Stars, the match is happening this afternoon at the request of the Tynesiders due to Newcastle United’s appearance at the Carabou Cup Final next Sunday. The Warriors are still in pursuit of silverware themselves despite faltering in the chase to the League title, a trip to Solihull Barons ending in defeat and allowing Solway Sharks to get their noses back in front at the top of the table. The Sharks have a game in hand and a four-point cushion, meaning Whitley can ill afford any further slip-ups in the closing weeks of the season.

Billingham go into the business end of the season with their eyes firmly on third place, but they face a struggle with the Barons if they are to hang onto that spot. Solihull’s victory over today’s opponents moved them ever closer to the Stars, their games in hand making them perhaps slight favourites to overtake, but Billingham will not give it up without a fight. Today they have the chance to make it three derby wins on the bounce, Hillheads no longer the place to be feared after the Cup semi-final win there last month. Still missing key players, Billingham have coped admirably in recent weeks with the whole roster pulling on the same rope to keep them on a roll.

The Stars are at Whitley Warriors for a National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 fixture this afternoon, face off 5pm.

Weekend Fixtures:

NIHL(N)1:

Deeside Dragons 4 Widnes Wild 7

Solway Sharks 12 Nottingham Lions 1

Sheffield Scimitars v Widnes Wild, Sunday 1pm

Whitley Warriors v Billingham Stars, Sunday 5pm

Deeside Dragons v Solihull Barons, Sunday 5.15pm

Blackburn Hawks v Solway Sharks, Sunday 6pm