Bermuda Hogges coach Kyle Lightbourne has warned his team to keep up their guard as they prepare for a demanding double-header against high-flying Wilmington Hammerheads.

Hammerheads have been the surprise package so far this season and fired a warning shot at the rest of the USL-D2 with an impressive 6-3 away victory over perennial title challengers Charlotte Eagles last week.

Still unbeaten from three matches and sitting pretty at the top of standings, Hammerheads are sure to pose far more of a threat than the side beaten 2-0 by Hogges at the National Sports Centre (NSC) last season.

"Wilmington will be a tough double-header for us," said Lightbourne.

"They're flying in the league and they have just beaten Charlotte Eagles 6-3. Paul Scope has spoken to their manager and apparently they have signed a few older players who have more experience and they're doing it for them right now. They're top of league and are the form team."

But Hammerheads will have not been the only team to raise a few eyebrows this campaign. Hogges' hugely encouraging wins over USL-D2 heavyweights Harrisburg City Islanders and Richmond Kickers would have also not gone unnoticed by their rivals.

And, when playing in front of their own supporters, Lightbourne believes Hogges have no-one to fear from this league.

"We definitely should be able to compete with anyone at home. There's no reason for us not to put on a good show at home. This is our third season and we have to keep working hard.

"We will have our bad times and when we have those bad spells that's when we will have to dig in and keep believing. I think the players are starting to digest the information that we've been giving them for the last two seasons."

Lightbourne will be forced to juggle his starting elevens this week with Hogges playing two matches in three days against Hammerheads, but is confident he has the depth of talent in his squad to cope.

"The main thing for us is to keep everyone fit," he said. "You also want good competition, that's what it's all about.

"I thought the two lads who came on in midfield really gave us an extra gear (against Kickers). Seion (Darrell) and Sammy DeGraff really boosted things for us. Jamie Smith also came on and did okay as it's difficult coming on (as a substitute)."

Hogges play Hammerheads on Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. Both matches will be held at the National Sports Centre.