Haringey Huskies general manager Lee Mercer expects a hard-fought battle against their arch rivals Lee Valley Lions in their home opener.

Coach Dan Sampson and his men will host the Lions in what is known as a London derby tomorrow (Saturday) in the newly-formed outfit first match at Alexandra Palace.

“It’s a London derby as we say,” Mercer admitted,

“It will be a hard-fought contest I’m sure, it normally is between the two teams.

“I don’t think there is much between the sides, it’s all about who wants it more rather than about the talent on display.

Mercer believes it’s a good chance for them to set a benchmark for the season in front of their own fans after being awarded their first win of season against Basingstoke Buffalo due to their opponents icing an illegible player in the match.

“They’re normally ding dong affairs to be honest, so we’ll be looking to get a win and set a benchmark at home.”

The former Haringey Greyhounds winger heaped praise on their rivals and what a good job coach George Alley did in his first season at the East London club.

“They’ve strengthened well and George Alley has done a good job since taking over there and he is owed a lot of credit for that especially as he’s fairly new to coaching.

“He’s got a good team, its solid and he know how he wants them to play, so it won’t be easy but no team is going to be easy to beat this season.”

The manager believes his side must focus on their own game, but must make sure they shut down Lee Valley’s key figures to grab a win.

“We always have to concentrate on our own game first and foremost, but obviously Matt Brown will be there, he used to play for the Racers so he will be coming back to the Palace as an away team player which will be strange.

“He can score goals and you will also have players that I admire like Lee Hounslow, I think he’s a great player and very skilful.

“Ross Sin-Hidge who I know a little about, he’s a very strong player, so they’ll be guys we do have to watch out for as they will try hurt us.

“I do think they have weaknesses elsewhere which we will look to exploit though.”