Dandy Town defender Ernest Signor remains doubtful for Hornet's opening Dudley Eve clash with last year's beaten finalists Devonshire Cougars this Sunday at Lords.

Signor played a part in Town's 2-0 victory over Zebras at St. John's Field earlier this month, but the defender's post-match victory celebrations were cut short when he was involved in a bike smash.

Signor sustained road rash in the accident and has had his left arm in a sling. He also hasn't trained with Hornets since his team's upset over Zebras that catapulted them into the Dudley Eve competition.

"I don't know the extent of his injuries, but from talking to him initially I wasn't planning for his services and I don't think that he will recover in time," Town coach Devarr Boyles stated.

Town take on a Cougars side this weekend that have appeared in the last three Dudley Eve finals in what will be a repeat of the 2004-05 final, which saw Hornets run out 5-3 victors on penalties.

Hornets dedicated that cup triumph to the memory of defender Randy Swan who succumbed to injuries sustained in a car crash just weeks before beating Cougars in an emotional cup final at White Hill Field. The hero that day was veteran striker Carlos Smith, who grabbed a late equaliser to throw Hornets a lifeline.

Smith has yet to kick a ball this season and isn't expected to play any part in Hornet's Dudley Eve campaign as well. Also ruled out over the Christmas holiday is national team midfielder Brendan Minors who won't be returning from studies abroad over the festive period, forcing coach Boyles to tap into an abundant reservoir of young talent at the 'Youth Explosion'.

"We have some Under-18s who we are looking to launch based on Scott's (assistant coach Scott Morton) recommendations," said Boyles.

The former national team midfield general is also optimistic his troops can build on last month's slim 1-0 FA Cup preliminary round triumph over the Big Cats on home turf.

"It's a double-elimination tournament," Boyles noted. "Hopefully, though, we don't have to go that route. But we are preparing ourselves for two games." Dudley Eve action kicks off tomorrow night at the Den where Premier Division leaders Zebras take on North Village Rams while in the First Division version of the competiton, Southampton Rangers meet Somerset Eagles.