NOTTINGHAMSHIRE firefighters called their hazardous materials officers to a fire at a factory in Huthwaite.

The first call was received about the blaze at uPVC window firm Synseal, which has a site in Common Road, at 7.42 on Wednesday December 17.

The firm makes uPVC windows and doors, which are constructed from a number of additives and stabilising chemicals. 

After two crews from Ashfield Fire Station attended the fire, they called for back-up, including the brigade's hazardous materials officer.

Two more fire crews, from Mansfield and Blidworth fire stations also came to assist the firefighters at the scene.

They were still tackling the flames more than an hour later.

No one was said to be injured in the blaze.

Traffic driving on the M1 through Nottinghamshire is facing delays of up to 15 minutes after a multi-vehicle crash in Leicestershire.

A lane is closed on the motorway at junction as the rush hour traffic mounts.

Tailbacks can be seen in parts of the M1 that stretch through the county since the crash, at around 5.15pm on December 18.

@HAtraffic_emids Direction?

— Peter Savage (@pcsavage) December 18, 2014

On the #M1 northbound between junctions J23 and J24, there are currently delays of 15 mins caused by congestion... http://t.co/0PNGhr5WZu

— Live Traffic - M1 (@Traffic_M1) December 18, 2014

All lanes were open again at around 5.45pm after the Highways Agency said it had cleared an oil spill.

#M1 J24 n/b. @HAtraffic_emids have cleared the oil spill following the accident and all lanes are now open. Have a safe onward journey.

— Highways Agency (@HAtraffic_emids) December 18, 2014

I GREW up in a pretty stuffy village in the south east of England. It was full of 2.4 children families who twitched the curtains if someone painted the front door an exotic colour or spread rumours if someone turned up without a tie at church on Sunday.

My family didn't necessarily fit the picture perfect ideal these people had. My father was an incredibly outspoken atheist, my sister came out of the closet in her teens, and all the kids in the brood preferred walking around in leather jackets listening to Iron Maiden rather than pastel cardigans and choral music.

So, when I moved away at 18 to go to university in Nottingham, I was thrilled to come to a city with such a variety of people, cultures and values, rather than a carbon copy cut out of The Archers.

Not only did I find people like me who were finally given the chance to be themselves, but, more importantly, I found lots of people that were different from me.

Be it the sound of their accent, the colour of their skin, the way they dressed, even their language, it was amazing to be in a place that seemed welcoming to every type of person and let them express themselves, rather than hiding any differences away.

Today is a very special day on that journey. Nottingham City Council is holding a celebration of 10 years of citizenship ceremonies. This is when people from around the world who have moved to this country want to become British and, after they have passed all the tests and criteria, get to mark the occasion.

It is not just about the paperwork, it is about becoming British, being part of a rich tapestry we have in our country and being proud to be one of the people making it up.

So far, 13,000 people have taken part in these citizenship ceremonies in the city and county. I think it is an impressive number of people that have not only been attracted to the area, be it for work, family or study, but have decided they want to become a citizen after their experience here.

I have been lucky to travel around the world and fallen in love with places, ranging from San Francisco to Hong Kong. But I am proud to be British and I don't think I could ever become a citizen of somewhere else. These people must really love and value what we have as a country as much as we do to put their names down as British citizens.

I know there is a lot of heavy debate around this topic at the moment, especially in the run-up to a general election.

But, for me, today is not a day for politics. It is a day to celebrate diversity and multiculturalism that many places in the world long for, but in our little pocket of a small island we have achieved.

Congratulations to the people who have joined us and well done to Nottingham for being a beacon of Britain. 

LAST weekend, at Rotherham, Nottingham Forest suffered an unusual Achilles' heel. For the first time in weeks, they lacked cutting edge.

Defensively fairly solid, Stuart Pearce's side instead had a different issue at Rotherham – a lack of ruthlessness and creativity in the final third.

Karl Darlow had to make one outstanding save, while Emmanuel Ledesma rattled the bar. Otherwise, Forest's clean sheet was not threatened too often.

The issue was that Forest's only effort on target was the Dexter Blackstock header that many on the Reds staff felt had been ruled out unfairly.

Leeds are a side with an almost identical record to Forest – with United having won two games in their last 13 outings. But their record on the road would suggest that they are a side that could be vulnerable, if Forest can rediscover that ruthlessness in front of goal.

Because, having taken only five points from ten games, no team has a worse away record in the Championship.

Leeds have conceded 22 away goals, while losing seven of their ten games, drawing two and winning only once. Forest's task is to find a way to exploit that vulnerability.

Jamie Paterson and Michail Antonio did well at Rotherham.

But Pearce must decide whether to turn to the guile and intelligence of Matty Fryatt or stick with the more physical, robust approach of Blackstock up front.

CHARITABLE hairdressers are hoping their tireless fundraising can convince judges they are a cut above the rest in Gedling.

Hairven, in Main Road, Gedling, has been nominated for the Business in the Community prize in the first Pride of Gedling Awards.

Businesses, public servants, good neighbours, young people and outstanding community projects are also being recognised at the January ceremony.

Owner Collette Osborn said being nominated for a local award meant more than national gongs the salon has already received.

"Recognition from people around means a lot more to us," she said. "We try so hard to embrace the local community. For me, it's a social responsibility."

Hairven has raised and donated around £24,000 in cash and products through numerous fundraising events including ladies nights and makeovers, at the salon.

The money has gone towards various local schools as well as a sizeable portion to cancer charity Maggie's.

"One of the things we've done that I look on with great fondness is giving makeovers to victims of domestic abuse," said Collette, a former accountant. "Sometimes women can't even look in the mirror and we help them get their confidence back."

The salon, which employs 18 staff, also won the Community Champion gong this year's Nottingham Post Women in Business awards. That added to its East Midlands Hair Salon of the Year 2013 recognition.

Each award the salon wins is dedicated to Collette's mother-in-law Wendy, in whose memory the salon was started.

"She had cancer herself so that's why we are so keen to help cancer charities," said Collette, 43. "Before she died I promised I would see the salon through."

Dance teacher Kali Fraser has been having her hair done every fortnight at Hairven since it opened three years ago.

She said: "Hairven is of massive importance to the community. Collette would give her right arm to help others. Every time I go in there something is going on for a good cause.

"All the girls are great. You get treated like a princess. I go to lots of balls and they always do a great job."

Councillor John Clarke, leader of Gedling Borough Council – which has launched the awards in collaboration with The Nottingham Post – praised the salon.

"We want to hear about all the great businesses in the borough and Hairven is clearly one of them.

"For them to give so much of their time towards charitable causes is something that deserves recognition. Keep your nominations coming in."

You can nominate worthy residents for the Pride of Gedling Awards in the following categories: 

Good neighbour – Inspirational individuals who make everyday life better for others.

Business in the community – Recognises businesses which support their community with a conscious approach to their environment, marketplace, community and workforce.

Outstanding community project – Projects which help Gedling's local communities and improves lives of those who live in them.

Young person – Those under the age of 21 who make an outstanding contribution to Gedling.

Public servant – Someone who has gone above and beyond the role to help others.

Volunteer of the Year – Overall winner of the Pam Clipsham Awards, chosen by Gedling CVS.

Pride of Gedling – Judges pick from winners.

To nominate, visit www.nottinghampost.com or www.gedling.gov.uk and complete the online form.

Deadline for nominations is January 8.

BUSINESSES in Nottingham will have to pay more than £1 a day for each car parked on their property from April.

The workplace parking levy has been set at £375 for the next year – up nearly £90 since it was introduced four years ago.

The controversial levy, imposed by Nottingham City Council, is used to support projects like the tram extension and Nottingham station revamp.

Companies inside the Nottingham city boundary are eligible to pay if they have 11 or more parking spaces.

But Tim Garratt, director at Innes England, said he disagreed with the charge.

He added: "It doesn't seem right that you can have ten parking spaces and pay nothing or have 11 and pay more than £4,000.

"This is the third year we have had to pay this tax and the money has gone towards a tram system without a set finish date. It's like having all of the burden and none of the benefits."

Mr Garratt also queried the boundaries of the levy – saying that businesses on Mansfield Road near Arnold still have to pay the levy "despite there not being a tram around for miles".

Increases in the workplace parking levy are pegged to inflation which stood at two per cent according to the retail price index in November.

Rises in the future will also be pegged to inflation.

George Cowcher, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber - covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire - said: "With RPI currently running at 2%, its lowest level for five years, any increase to the Workplace Parking Levy which is above that is unacceptable.

"While the Chamber is supportive of the tram and other transport priorities for local businesses in Nottingham, the Chamber and the majority of its members remain opposed to the WPL as a funding mechanism. However, its focus is now on working with the City Council to help mitigate the impact the WPL may have on local businesses."

Georgina Culley, leader of the Conservative group at Nottingham City Council said she was pleased the increase in the levy wasn't as sharp this year.

She said: "It is good news that inflation is at a 12 year low as a result of the government's economic policy, and as a result the Workplace Parking Tax is not rising quite as high as the Labour council proposed.

"None of this, however, changes the fact that this is a tax on local jobs and local people which is causing parking chaos throughout the city and thanks to Nottingham Labour's spending we're stuck with it and I'm afraid that we will be for decades to come."

Jane Urquhart, Nottingham City Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation, said the levy was vital for improving infrastructure.

She said: "Without it we wouldn't have been able to attract external funding needed to transform Nottingham Station or create two more tramlines, which will open next year.

"The Centre for Business Economics, predicts that the tram project alone could lead to the creation of up to 8,000 new jobs in the city which could potentially boost the local economy by around £300m per year, and has already led to the employment of hundreds of local people and millions of pounds worth of contracts for local construction firms.

"The steps we are taking to continue to extend and improve public transport in the city and to tackle congestion, which if left would threaten to choke the city, means Nottingham continues to attract new businesses and developers to the city which has led to the creation of thousands of new jobs." 

BEESTON bus passengers are being warned that a travel service faces disruption due to tram works shortly this evening.

After 8pm until the end of service on Thursday, tram construction work will affect the Station Road/Middle Street junction and the Orange 36 bus towards the city. 

Buses will depart from Beeston bus station and run along Station Road and Queen's Road East to University West Entrance, where they will resume the normal route along Woodside Road.

Stops on Middle Street, Regent Street, High Road and Broadgate will not be served.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Police are urging people to warn elderly relatives to be on their guard against handbag thieves while out shopping.

Officers are reporting purses being taken from handbags in busy city centre shops.

Police say that in some cases the thieves have taken purses from elderly women who have also kept their pin number inside their purse.

Officers are asking people to advise relatives against doing this.

A police spokesman said: "Always think about how secure your handbag, purse or wallet is when out shopping, never keep your pin with your cards and always be aware of those around you when withdrawing money from cash points."

It comes after the woman pictured is sought in connection with the use of a stolen bank cards  in Nottingham city centre on Monday, December 8.

Anyone who recognises the woman orwho can help with inquiries in any way is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 401 of 8 December 2014.

Leeds 0, Forest 2, Monday, April 21, 2014.

MATT Derbyshire continued his final flourish with Nottingham Forest by netting twice to propel the club to a big win in Yorkshire.

The striker found the net twice early in the game to leave the Reds just a point off the play-off places.

Derbyshire found the corner after being fed by Stephen McLaughlin in the first two minutes.

He slotted home again after former loan signing Scott Wootton failed to clear for the home side.

It took the former Blackburn and Birmingham player's tally to nine for the season.

The 28-year-old had bagged four goals in three matches, as he found his form for the first time in three years with the Reds.

A first away win since February and the second success on the bounce gave Forest brief hope that they could challenge for the play-offs.

Caretaker boss Gary Brazil said: "After going two up we handled everything Leeds could throw at us and defended like men."

HEAD coach Martin Haag has called on Nottingham Rugby to end 2014 in style as they continue to try to 'overachieve' in the Championship.

After battling at the wrong end of the table last term, the Green and Whites sit in fifth place ahead of hosting Doncaster Knights on Sunday.

Haag feels they are making good progress this season, as shown in their league position and some of their performances, including against the likes of Worcester Warriors in the British and Irish Cup.

With this weekend's clash their last of the year, before a break over Christmas, the aim now is to keep that going.

"At the moment, we're probably overachieving in terms of where we are," said Haag.

"When we play against teams like Worcester with the facilities and players and everything else they have available to them, we don't expect to be competing with them.

"If we want to stay in the league position we're in, we're going to have to work incredibly hard and make sure we perform every weekend.

"And we need to make sure, especially the home games we have, we're winning those in order to hopefully push on and at least stay where we are."

Haag believes he will have a greater judge of his team's standing once they have played everyone in the division – completing the first round of fixtures against Rotherham Titans on January 10.

They will not though, change their aims for the season.

"It's funny. This year, we didn't really sit down as a group and say, 'we want to do this' or 'we want to do that'," explained Haag.

"It wasn't really about where we want to be in the league.

"It was a case of how we prepare, how we improve and then ultimately about how we perform at a weekend.

"We are in a good place and we are very confident, but we know we are going to have to battle every week. It's not easy.

"We're going to have to earn the right to win games. We do that by working hard, showing what we're capable of doing and performing well.

"If we do that, then we've got a great chance at the end of it.

"We need to finish this year well.

"The challenge is to try to win as many as we can over the next four games, assess where we are come the new year and come the end of January, having played everybody once, then see what we need to do going forward."

Sunday's opponents Doncaster are ninth in the table, eight points behind Nottingham.

"It is a bit of a local derby, so the guys are looking forward to it," said Haag.

"We don't have too many games left at Meadow Lane, so that adds a bit of spice.

"They are very good defensively. They work really hard together as a team.

"They've got some exciting individuals in the back line and up front who can run well with the ball.

"They've got Alex Shaw, who we know a lot about because he was here for a number of years.

"They're a really strong team.

"They've proved this year that they can go away from home and win. But we're confident; we're at home and we want to put on a good show."

NOTTS will be without Louis Laing for the trip to Spotland after his loan spell from Forest ended after defeat to Swindon.

Shaun Derry has a decision to make who plays alongside Haydn Hollis at centre-back having played 3-5-2 on Tuesday before changing it to 4-4-2 in the second half.

There will be no Jimmy Spencer, who is injured, while Liam Noble (pictured) sits out the second game of a five-match ban.

Matt Done: The winger (pictured), who can play striker, has been among Rochdale's best players this season, as underlined by his goals return.

He has scored 13 goals this season and lashed in a hat-trick last weekend in the FA Cup win over Aldershot.

He also bagged another treble in a convincing win against Crewe earlier in the season.

He has been a real asset to Dale this season and Notts will have to keep him in check.

Keith Hill: The Rochdale manager is in his second spell at the club and, again, is thriving at Spotland.

Despite a modest budget reflected by modest crowds, Hill knows the surrounding area well and consistently gets the best out of the team.

They are currently flying high in League One and sit in the top six.

Whether they can last the pace remains to be seen, but Hill's side are always fiercely determined and hardworking.

Blackburn centre-half Jack O'Connell will return to the Dale starting line-up after missing the cup win over Aldershot.

Defender Rhys Bennett is expected to remain sidelined following recent emergency dental treatment.

Other than those concerns, Rochdale manager Keith Hill does not have any other new injury or suspension worries.

CRUCIAL battle this as Rochdale are particularly strong at home and Stephen Dawson is a class act in the centre of midfield.

Alan Smith, should he get the nod, will be tasked with the job of stopping him from allowing Rochdale to dictate play at Spotland.

ADAM Murray is likely to make changes once again to his starting line-up for the visit to AFC Wimbledon.

Dimitar Evtimov, Kieron Freeman and Junior Brown (pictured) were cup-tied for Tuesday's FA Cup second round replay against Cambridge United, but are back in contention tomorrow.

On the recovery of striker Alex Fisher from a dislocate shoulder, Murray said: "He's still got a lot of work to do, he's not even started training properly yet, so he's going to have to up his intensity of his training. Knowing Fish, he will."

NOTTINGHAM Forest will not be held to ransom over Jack Hunt – even though he could be the last player they can buy until 2016.

Reds boss Stuart Pearce has confirmed the club still hope to reach an agreement to sign the defender, before they come under an embargo on January 1.

But he added that, for the deal to happen, parent club Crystal Palace will have to drop their £3m asking price.

Because he is on a long-term loan at the City Ground, Forest can sign the 24-year-old before the sanctions, placed on the club for failing to adhere to Financial Fair Play rules last season, come into force.

Forest will also almost certainly fail to fall within allowable losses of £6m for the current campaign – which means the embargo could remain in place for the next three transfer windows.

But Pearce insists he will still take a tough stance when it comes to Forest's valuation of Hunt – which is closer to the £1.5m they felt they had agreed with the Premier League club, when he initially signed on loan.

"It is still ongoing. The last communication we had saw them come up with the £3m price tag, which is unacceptable to us," said Pearce.

"We will keep pushing things, we will talk to his agent and to his club.

"If it is doable, we will look to get it done. He has done well since he has been at the club.

"That is where we are at."

Forest's biggest fear is that Palace wait until the January window to see if other clubs show an interest in the former Huddersfield right-back – at a time when Forest would not be able to sign him permanently.

"That is a factor. But we have a valuation of the player that we are not going to change," said Pearce.

"Jack might be the last player we can sign before the embargo, but whether that is the case or not, I still have a valuation in my mind, which I believe is right and proper.

"I am not the type of person to waver from that."

With Karl Darlow set to return to parent club Newcastle in the summer and Dorus de Vries out of contract at the end of the campaign, Pearce is also already looking at his options for the summer.

Forest hope de Vries will agree a new deal, but Pearce will look to add another keeper, on a free transfer or on loan, for next season.

"We are planning, we are keeping our eyes open for somebody who will benefit the club," said Pearce. "Whether Dorus stays at the club or not, a goalkeeper has to come in."

"Darlow is going and Dimi Evtimov probably needs another season. He is out on loan at the minute, which will improve him.

"We are planning for the future in all positions. We know who will be staying and who will be leaving in the summer.

"Some we would want to leave, some I would not."

ILKESTON FC have lost striker Kane Richards to Conference side Chester.

The 20-year-old, who joined the Robins after working his way through Derby County's junior ranks, has been an integral player for the Evo-Stik League Premier Division team.

A club statement read: "We were approached by Conference side Chester FC about Kane Richards and after discussions with him, the management agreed that, as Kane has always expressed a desire to play at the highest level, reluctantly we granted him his wish to talk to them.

"The club wish him well as he has always given full commitment during his time with us, but he feels this maybe is his last opportunity to make a professional career in the game."

Fourth-placed Ilkeston host Witton Albion in the league tomorrow.

In the Conference Premier, Alfreton Town will look to continue their upturn in fortunes against Macclesfield Town.

Nicky Law's side are aiming to make it three Conference wins in a row for the first time since mid-September.

In East Midlands Counties, Radcliffe Olympic travel to league leaders St Andrews. Manager Mike Wain expects a reaction to last week's 6-2 defeat to Ellistown & Ibstock United.

"I am hopeful of a permanent signing being finalised but there will be changes to the side no matter what," he said.

Squad: Dunn, Winch, West, Adams, Smallwood, Spence, Sewell, Durham, Holvey, Gamble, Hegarty, Reeves, Sewell, O'Brien, Soiza, Millward, Ramshall, J Morris, Brown, McGlaughlin, Sansone.

Meanwhile, Radford will want to make up for their poor midweek performance losing to Gedling MW in the League Cup when they host mid-table Stapenhill.

Squad: Dunning, Maveso, Desrosiers, Hopewell, Ramadan, Meakin, Needham, King, Kevin, Babatunde, Knight, Udoh, Westcarr, Hough, Brown.

FOREST have no fresh injury worries ahead of the clash with Leeds United – and two of their trio of long term casualties, in Andy Reid (groin) and Jack Hobbs (ankle), continue to make good progress.

"Apart from the Chris Cohen, Hobbs and Reid situation, everyone is fully fit," said boss Stuart Pearce. "Reid and Hobbs have been on the training pitch. We are hoping that Hobbs will join in properly next week and that Reid will a week later.

"We hope they will both be back in early January. If that is the case, they will be like the two signings."

IT is a testament to Shaun Derry and his players' ability that a season in which they were predicted to struggle has so far defied all expectation.

A top six challenge was certainly not on the Notts County manager's agenda after fending off relegation last season, but he now finds himself overseeing one of the most unlikeliest challenges.

Doubts remain as to whether Notts can last the course or not, which is why the next few weeks will give us a true indication as to whether they are the real deal or a work in progress.

Come through an incredibly tough Christmas period still in the running and suddenly a play-off challenge will laugh in the faces of those who tipped the Magpies for relegation.

Notts have proven they can compete after some impressive results on the road, but Derry accepts this brutal period is where we will learn what should be expected of them this term.

"Any fan who didn't envisage a tough period is telling lies," he said.

"I knew this would be our most difficult part of the season.

"And game by game there have been occasions when we have pulled some rabbits out of the hat.

"That has given us some really good feeling.

"When you can compete against the likes of Sheffield United, it gives you that momentum to say we can hold our own against these teams.

"But I know it's difficult to stay there.

"We have come up against opponents who are very close to us and we've come up a little bit short at times."

They face another test of their character tomorrow, albeit a different one posed by teams such as Preston, Sheffield United and Swindon.

Rochdale are an extremely hard-working team whose budget is certainly modest, but it has been put to good use by their manager Keith Hill.

Like Notts, Dale have engineered themselves into the unlikely position of a top six challenge and everybody is waiting to see if it can be maintained.

The Magpies are still looking to preserve an unbeaten away record in League One, but Derry knows tomorrow will be a tough examination of that record.

"They have scored eight goals in the last two games so they have found their cutting edge," he said.

"When you get promoted you are on a crest of a wave and that is what is happening there.

"Long may it continue for them.

"But we will go there with our game plan and hopefully it will work.

"We are a team, that at this moment in time, is better away from home than we are at Meadow Lane."

Meanwhile, Derry has confirmed he made an approach for Millwall striker Jermaine Easter.

The striker has struggled to hold down a place in the Lions' first team this season, having played just ten games.

Derry had wanted the forward to pep-up his attack, although a move looks unlikely as he been on the substitutes' bench in recent weeks.

Whether Notts will renew their move in January remains to be seen as they look to bolster their squad.

But Derry is certainly an admirer of the former Swansea forward.

"I have had discussions about Jermaine," he said.

"But I saw he was on the bench for the Brighton game recently and he has done really well.

"That comes as no surprise either.

"When you are looking at the transfer window, we are playing fourth, fifth and six fiddle.

"It's a knock-on effect and if teams in the Championship get the players they want then it might open up a few avenues our way."

Jamie Paterson v Stephen Warnock: Experienced full-back Warnock, 33, will have his work cut out whoever he faces on the Forest wing. But, following a couple of lively performances, it is likely to be Jamie Paterson who gets another chance to shine.

With Tom Ince and Chris Burke also pushing for a start – and available to come off the bench, the Leeds left-back will be in for a busy afternoon.

NOTTINGHAM Panthers were mauled by one wounded animal last week – and now they host a similar beast seeking revenge tomorrow (7pm).

Still smarting from a 6-3 defeat to a Belfast Giants line-up which lost its previous three games, Panthers now host a Fife Flyers side who were beaten 7-2 by Corey Neilson's team in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals first leg.

Fife lost seven games in a row before beating in-form Edinburgh Capitals lost time out, although they blew a four-goal lead before winning 6-5 after a shootout.

Neilson expects Fife to fly at Panthers in a similar way Belfast did as they raced into a two-goal lead that went a long way to winning the game at the National Ice Centre.

He said: "Fife will be a wounded animal. They've been banged up.

"When you get injury problems you're at the mercy of your schedule.

"Right now they're struggling. They had one defenceman in a recent game I believe. It's tough to win games when you're in that position.

"It's tougher for us as well in a sense when teams are losing. They come in with the added incentive and desperation, especially when the rink is as full as it was against Belfast."

Fife have proved to be no pushovers for much of this season with two runs of five wins out of six and Neilson believes every team is capable of that in the Elite League with teams now allowed 12 imports.

"The extra import has really moved all the teams up into the frame," he said.

"Having one more player makes it tough to out-skate them all night long. They can keep their wind.

"We used to roll teams over because we had the top Brits. Now they've got that extra player they can get through it.

"The top teams are just that, top teams. The quality is there and the goal tending is good so it's tough to win every game."

Fife have another chance to recover their form further before they arrive in Nottingham. Tonight, they play against Panthers' opponents on Sunday, Cardiff Devils, at the Fife Arena.

Panthers, third in the Elite League and five points behind leaders Sheffield Steelers, go to a Devils team which has forced its way into the title reckoning of late.

Nine wins out of 11 have moved them to within one point of Nottingham in fourth. Neilson admits they will be a tough nut to crack on their compact rink, although Panthers have already won there once this season, 2-1 last month.

"Cardiff are a very good team. They're big, they're strong and they've got some pure skill guys there as well," he said.

"I think their defence is their strength. They've got big bodies in there and they pound away at you, especially in their own arena."

Netminder Craig Kowalski, defenceman Sam Oakford and winger Greg Jacina are all set to miss out with injury. Defenceman Mike Berube is also a major doubt due to injury.