Nothing more than a friendly curtainraiser; a chance to merely shake the rust before the `real' season kicks off.

While that may have been the intention at the launch of the Charity Cup competition, tonight's combatants have but one issue resting upon their minds...winning.

Vasco and Boulevard's top brass have already stated their intentions of earning silverware in abundance, and tonight's match (PHC, 8.00 p.m.) offers an opportunity to grab the season's first trophy.

"We have a chance to challenge for everything,'' said Vasco head coach John Rebello during a pre-season interview, emphasising this would be a make or break year for his men.

"...there's just so much talent there and this is the year they have to push over the hump, no excuses.'' Meanwhile, first year Boulevard coach Albert Smith has similar high expectations.

Standing as the defending First Division champions, Boulevard venture in as slight favourites to defeat the current FA Cup holders, based on their reputation as fast starters.

They also have an edge in the fitness department, a key factor in such early games where sides often struggle for touch and cohesion.

"Nothing but good things,'' was the simple, but wide ranging prediction from Smith for his club. "We're the team for the '90s. We're there from start to end...'' For Smith and his crew, the latest edition begins tonight as does the opening chapter in his head coaching assignment.

Short passing and ball control, two facets synonymous with the Blazers will remain among the repertoire, but Smith has also been tinkering with high pressure techniques as an added weapon.

Something of that was seen last season with Boulevard finishing as the top goalscoring team -- 32 -- after years of futility in converting opportunities.

Captain Dwight Warren was responsible for many of those conversions, netting seven -- Stevie Wade led the team with eight -- and will likely be called on again to set the tone for the Blazers.

Smith has hinted at using the strong, left-sided ball artist in a new role, but he refused to elaborate.

Rebello might do well to create a game plan that includes shutting down Warren, without taking away from what he wants his team to do.

In the absence of height in his front-line -- Corey Hill, Irving Burgess and Dwight Basden -- the coach will likely adapt Vasco's game to include more possession and use of skill on the ground to break down opponents.

Newcomers Steval Arorash and Shawn Smith are expected to make an immediate impact as players who can distribute and create chances for team-mates.

Arorash, who came up through the junior ranks while at Somerset, is there to fill the void left by the departure of Mark Ray to Devonshire Colts.

Meanwhile, Smith is expected to slot into the now retired Donovan Livingston's position at the heart of defence. Smith departed relegated Devonshire Cougars following the 1995-96 campaign and is a former Bermuda national team player who can play either at the back or in midfield.

Vasco were losers in the same event a year ago when two goals from Dandy Town striker Darren Simons settled matters.