Not only is everybody shooting for, at and towards you, but while the hunters can afford to take respites from the chase from time to time, the hunted must forever keep guard raised.

So it is for Premier Division leaders North Village, who, while most others take to enjoying celebratory rest and relaxation during the holiday period, must remain ever vigilant as they seek further championship glory.

Having qualified for the Dudley Eve Trophy tournament as the top seeds -- the first four teams after seven matches qualified -- Village enter the holiday tournament wearing not only the favourites' tag, but a distinct bullseye as well.

Such was evident on Tuesday night, when Dandy Town came out showing aggression and determination never seen previously this season, with a mission of knocking off the `top dog' and making clear statement to the Red Devils.

"Obviously everyone wants to beat the team that's on top, so they came out with the most aggression right from the start and we didn't match it,'' said Village coach Scott Morton, very much aware of his team's status in the eyes of adversaries. "They wanted it more than us.'' However, with the Dudley Eve getting under way on Saturday, Morton fancied his side's chances of earning more silverware, to go with the Charity Cup captured to begin the current campaign, and the FA Cup from last season.

"I feel are chances are as good as anybody else's, because I feel we have a good nucleus of players, especially with our college players coming back,'' said Morton. "We get to give players rest and rotate players as well, so I feel our chances are just as good as anyone's.

"With Town making it in they warrant some concern, also PHC is always a threat, and even Colts ... everyone has an equal chance.'' While it's always a positive sign for a team to reside at or near the top of the tables, some coaches view qualification for the Dudley Eve as more hindrance than help, relevant to the league title chase.

Converse to the Martonmere Cup, which aids in teams getting match-fit for the early going, the Dudley Eve can easily work to the detriment of a team involved in the battle for honours.

Indeed one finalist for the Dudley Eve will play five stress-filled matches in nine days, while the other will perform one less. And for teams lacking depth this could certainly sound a death knell if an injury crisis develops as a result of the strain.

Said Morton: "Like I said, with the nucleus of players that we have, especially with our college players coming back -- and I plan on using those players, as you saw tonight (Tuesday) with Daniel (Jennings) and Kofi (Dill) involved.

"I don't think it should be too much of a burden on us. Our players are mentally prepared.'' What may prove a burden though -- at least over the short run -- is the absence from the heart of defence of centre-back David Thomas. Thomas was stretchered off the pitch at Somerset with a cracked rib.

Continued on page 33 Morton upbeat Continued from page 31 Nevertheless, Morton remained confident of his side's ability to adjust and fill the holes.

"Yes, it showed up a little bit,'' said Morton, who has installed Kofi Dill in the role of marking centre-back. "He is a miss because, one, he's been there from day one and knows what is required from our concept and what we're trying to achieve.

"But David's resting up and it's still up to the players on the field to get the job done.'' And Morton will get a chance to rectify matters with the St. John's Road club on Saturday, when the two meet in the first round of the Dudley Eve at BAA Field, having been drawn against each other for the nightcap. The first match will feature Devonshire Colts and PHC.

Bermuda remain outside the top 150 of the world's best soccer-playing nations.

The Island comes in at 153 in the latest monthly rankings issued by world soccer's governing body, FIFA.

Bermuda is sandwiched between Dominica in 152 and the Maldives in 154.

The latest standings do represent a yearly upturn in form for the Island.

This time last year Bermuda was ranked 163rd in the world.

Kofi Dill: replacement for Thomas