The last time Vasco faced St.George's the final scene at PHC Stadium resembled that of a war zone more than a soccer pitch, with St. George's the clear losers.

Meanwhile, there stood Vasco resplendent in victory, holding aloft the riches of a league championship.

Several months have passed since that fateful day in March and many things have changed. However, while Vasco would appear to have bolstered ranks through the addition of a few players, the opposite seems true of St.

George's, with their coaching situation unsettled up until three weeks before the season and attendance at training lacking.

And the firepower shown by the Portuguese club during last Saturday's 3-2 Charity Cup victory over Boulevard only highlighted their status as the best in Bermuda.

So picking the winner of tonight's Martonmere Cup match featuring the two sides (BAA Field, 7.00 p.m.) should be easy -- Vasco in a rout.

But despite the obvious gulf in talent, Vasco coach John Rebello was yesterday taking little for granted as he prepared his troops, especially against a side with little to lose and everything to gain.

"Being what we are, Vasco, that's a black mark and also being champions means that teams are going to run at us,'' said Rebello, who still remembers a 2-1 loss at the hands of the East Enders that knocked Vasco out of the Friendship Trophy early last season. And he's using that defeat as motivation for tonight.

"We're hungry and still feel that we owe them something from that night at Devonshire Rec.,'' continued Rebello. "But I think it'll be a very competitive match. They have Neil Paynter there, so the defence will be stronger and I feel it will be an exciting and competitive game.'' Nevertheless, Paynter and his defensive team-mates will have their work cut out against an attack possessing the likes of Corey Hill, Irving Burgess and new signee Sammy Swan, just ask Boulevard.

This evening's nightcap (BAA Field, 9.00 p.m.) sees two sides making season debuts as North Village go against PHC, with each desperate to make up for a lack of success last season.

Village enter as slight favourites based largely on their showing during the last campaign, one which saw them go unbeaten in league competition on their way to a second place finish.

The Red Devils will be missing the services of veterans Sheldon Franks and Damon Wade, both unavailable, while a question mark surrounds the fitness of former captain Elliott Jennings, who has been nursing a leg injury. On the other hand PHC appear at full strength as Jack Castle makes his debut as coach.