Chelmsford Chieftains welcomed Karl Rogers back from injury, but lost by the odd goal in a thrilling battle at Blackburn on Saturday.
The game was only 2.31 old when Chieftains took the lead via Craig Metcalf's goal.
Blackburn's response was immediate, with Lamonte Polet scoring from close in, and Chieftains' defensive frailties were evident 14 seconds later as Hawks took the lead through Brian Smith.
Chieftains equalised 16 seconds later when Richard Whiting and Hannah set up Tero Sarkiniemi's close in effort at 3.18, but Hawks went in front again through Polet, and Polet netted his hat-trick goal on 9.43.
Further woe for Chieftains came at 11.42 when Andrew Dickson netted to make it 5-2 to Hawks.
Chieftains pulled a goal back at 12.50 with a fine shot hit on the turn by Rogers, and Chieftains gave themselves further hope at 13.39 when Whiting's shot deflected past a stranded Hollyhead in the Hawks' goal to make the score 5-4 to the Hawks.
The second period was only 24 seconds old when Tom Burridge scored and Billy Price extended Hawks' lead at 23.35.
Chieftains then decided to change netminders replacing Chad Macleod for Dave Pinchin. However at 32.38 Polet breached Pinchin's defence to stretch his sides lead to three goals.
At 46.57, Chieftains were caught up ice and Bobby Haig, returning from a two minute penalty, skated in alone for Blackburn's ninth goal.
Chieftains rallied well and at 49.09 Hannah's rebounding shot was tucked away by Sarkiniemi and at 50.44, Cotton scored from close range and Chieftains got the deficit back to one goal when Whiting set up Sarkiniemi for his hat-trick goal.
However, Chieftains were powerless to stop Brian Smith's second goal at 54.51.
Chieftains mounted pressure on Hollyhead's goal, but had to wait until 58.18 for Cotton and Hannah to work a good goal for Heavey to put away, and setting up a frantic last minute.
Chieftains pulled their goalie out, opting for the extra skaters, and did all but score, having two efforts scrambled from the line and they returned to Essex with a narrow defeat.
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