battle at Devonshire Rec. tonight (9 p.m.).

There is nothing tame or bashful about these Colts, for they can appear just as savage as any predatory beast if given half a chance. And with last year's leading goal poacher Aljame Zuill already displaying a scoring zeal, Cougars may want to `watch their back'.

A bright spot for the home team to bear in mind will be the fact that Colts failed to get past a Southampton outfit they were expected to beat, finding the net just once and showing some cracks in defence during a 1-1 draw.

Indeed Cougars need all the inspiration they can get, as, although the season remains young and times are not yet desperate, early victories are needed to breed confidence among the members of a newly promoted side, as well as to command respect from opponents.

Last weekend's 2-0 loss to early season powerhouse North Village may have given indication that they will not be pushovers, but coach Shawn Smith is aware that `respectable' losses will not cut it if they are to remain part of the Premiership beyond this season.

Tonight's opening contest will be preceded by a First Division affair of much potential, with two unbeatens, Paget and St. George's, squaring off.

Paget, sporting a revamped, `souped-up' line-up under the tutelage of Dale Russell, opened their account in stunning fashion nearly a week ago against Hamilton Parish, while the east enders battered rivals St. David's 4-2.