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LANCASHIRE, UK – With the semi-final line-up in the NIHL North Cup virtually decided all eyes will be on league action this weekend.
There are some tasty looking games at the top of both Moralee D1 and Laidler D2 which could help to shape the title race in each division.
Read on as we look at three standout games from the weekend ahead.
Solway Sharks v Hull Pirates – Moralee D1 – Saturday
Hull have a 100% record in the league, but they head into this game on the back of a dismal 7-1 cup defeat at Telford Tigers last weekend.
They were beaten 5-4 on their last visit to Dumfries and the home side will fancy their chances of inflicting the Pirates’ first defeat on Saturday.
Netminder Ashley Smith has failed to impress against the league’s better sides since re-signing for the club and Solway could take full advantage on home ice.
Prediction: Solway 5-3 Hull
Widnes Wild v Hull Jets – Laidler D2 – Sunday
Widnes have been sweeping all before them over the past few weeks, but they face a tough test against the Jets on Sunday.
Hull defeated the current league leaders 4-2 at the start of October and they picked up an impressive road victory at Sheffield Senators two weeks ago.
However, Widnes are unbeaten on home ice this season and may edge a tight contest that may well need an extra period to find a winner.
Prediction: Widnes 4-3 Hull (OT)
Sheffield Senators v Telford Tigers 2 – Laidler D2 – Sunday
The Senators bounced back from their defeat against Hull with a comfortable victory over Blackburn Hawks 2 and they will be eager to follow up against Telford.
The Tigers have lost three out of five matches away from home, although two of those defeats have been by a single goal margin.
There’s likely to be little to choose between the two sides at iceSheffield, but the Senators are fancied to grab a narrow victory.
Prediction: Sheffield 6-4 Telford
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Moralee D1
Saturday
Solihull Barons v Whitley Warriors
Solway Sharks v Hull Pirates
Sunday
Billingham Stars v Solihull Barons
Nottingham Lions v Sutton Sting
Whitley Warriors v Solway Sharks
Laidler D2
Saturday
Bradford Bulldogs v Blackburn Hawks 2
Telford Tigers 2 v Altrincham Aces
Sunday
Altrincham Aces v Bradford Bulldogs
Sheffield Senators v Telford Tigers 2
Widnes Wild v Hull Jets
NIHL North Cup
Saturday
Blackburn Hawks v Billingham Stars
Sheffield Steeldogs v Telford Tigers
Sunday
Hull Pirates v Sheffield Steeldogs
Telford Tigers v Blackburn Hawks
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