The Island?s World Cup soccer campaign will kick off 11 days later than planned, as Bermuda Football Association (BFA) look to maximise home support.

Montserrat, officially the world?s lowest ranked international team, will now take on Kenny Thompson?s men on Sunday, February 29 rather than play the game on a Wednesday. The away leg will still take place on March 31.

This will also give Thompson?s troops more time to recover from the double-header against an all-star touring Trinidad & Tobago team, with the games on February 10 and 12 now confirmed by the BFA.

?We decided to move the game to a weekend so we can really showcase it,? said BFA general secretary David Sabir yesterday.

?I think it is better for the public if we play then, it makes it a lot more accessible.?

Despite the extra time now available to Thompson, Sabir said it was ?unlikely? that additional friendlies would be arranged with prohibitive costs and the availability of potential opponents the stumbling blocks.

But Thompson confirmed games against the Island?s top domestic sides would continue apace, giving the national side valuable match practice.

Friendlies are scheduled against Boulevard on Wednesday and another, as-yet unconfirmed, side the following week.

?The clubs are being very accommodating to us,? added Thompson.

North Village can ill-afford a loss to third-placed Devonshire Cougars tonight if their hopes of a third successive title are to remain alive.

Defeats over the festive period have left Village eight points adrift of FA Cup opponents Dandy Town and a Premier Division loss tonight at Devonshire Rec. will see Scott Morton?s men all but kiss goodbye to the title.

Despite wins in both the Charity and Martonmere cups, Village have picked up just nine points from the past eight league matches with indifferent form belying the side?s obvious talent.

Cougars, whose 19 goals rank them as the most potent force on the Island will be looking to keep their title challenge alive with another victory.

A three-horse race is developing at the top of the table with Town, Cougars and Boulevard all keeping their eye firmly on the crown.

Rude Girls meet Hurricanes in a Women?s Division fixture at 7 p.m., preceding the Premier clash at 9 p.m.