Wilson expecting physical battle

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Vipers coach Rob Wilson on Newcastle's play-off hopes

Newcastle Vipers coach Rob Wilson has warned their play-off opponents Belfast Giants to expect a bruising encounter when they meet in Dundalk on Saturday.

Vipers have a mixed record against the Giants this season but Wilson believes his side are ready to avenge their losses in the knock-out rounds.

"The last few games have been tight, physical battles, it's going to be a tight series," he told BBC Look North.

"The team that wins the physical battles will win the war so to speak."

With the Elite League season over, Wilson admitted that the play-offs are seen as the 'big one' within the Vipers camp.

"It's massive. The league is very important but with the North American guys we have, the play-offs is the big trophy," he said.

"We've got as good a chance as anybody and if we come out and be physical then I think we've got a chance."

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Vipers forward Derek Campbell on his play-off hopes

2006 was a fine year for the Vipers as they rose from outsiders to clinch the play-off trophy and Wilson feels there is just as much opportunity for the current side to emulate that line-up.

"We have a different team than that year, we've probably got more skill than that team," he mused.

"That team battled hard and that's the key. We battled hard and smart and defence wins trophies.

"If you can outwit the other team defensively then you can go a long way come play-off time."