After making an under-the-radar move from Boulevard to First Division Paget Lions, Marvin Belboda has gained more than he bargained for.

Instead of concentrating his efforts solely upon an uncanny knack for finding the back of the net, the 32-year-old former Devonshire Colts, Somerset Trojans and Boulevard striker has assumed the added burden as player/coach of Lions ? and continues to succeed where many before have failed.

Belboda replaced Pall Gudlaugsson for the top post following the latter?s unceremonious dismissal on the opening day of the 2005-06 season.

And since that fateful September afternoon at White Hill Field, Belboda, and his growing band of self believers at Paget, have never looked back.

Lions are fresh off an inspiring win over previously unbeaten league leaders St.David?s and a 7-3 thumping of whipping boys Hamilton Parish in First Division Shield action at the Den on Tuesday night.

St.George?s blanked Somerset Eagles 4-0 in the other Shield encounter.

However, the real talk of the town seems to be centred around a Paget side that has endured its share of adversity in recent times.

So what?s the secret behind the club?s change of fortunes?

?Harmony. . . the guys are now working together as a team towards a common goal,? Belboda replied.

?Paget have been around for a while now and have never been successful. So our goal is to gain promotion and anything else would certainly be a bonus for us. And the guys are really beginning to believe in themselves.

?And this is what it is really all about . . . believing. Most of the players on this team realise Paget have been bridesmaids over the years. For one reason or another they were denied success. But are goal now is to come first . . . that way no one can deny us. Nobody is playing for Marvin or anybody else. We are here to represent Paget.?

Belboda has also led from the front, scoring five goals in four appearances so far. Paget are presently on a six-game winning streak after losing to St.George?s in their season opener by the odd-goal.

It?s obvious whatever instructions Belboda is dishing out to his players seems to be sinking in.

?I really loved football but coaching does have its responsibilities,? he added.

Belboda was actually groomed for his present role at nearby PHC where he coached the Premier Division?s Under-19 youth team for several seasons.

?That experience certainly helped me. I think it gave me the ability to find the true character in people, their strengths and their weaknesses,? he said.

One asset Belboda has working in his favour is that, as a son of the soil, the players appear to be willingly embracing the coach?s team concepts and strategies.

?There?s a big difference today at the club. Even the mood in training has changed since my appointment as coach,? he added.

And while Belboda is pleased with the way things have panned out thus far, he has warned his players against complacency.

?There?s still a long season ahead of us. At the moment things are working in our favour and the ball is definitely bouncing for us,? he noted before singling out the likes of forwards Dion Stovell and Nathan Simons along with veteran sweeper Leroy Stevens for special mention.

Simons netted a hat-trick and Belboda added a brace during Tuesday night?s demolishing of Parish at the Den, while Devon Bailey and sub Kenneth Durrant grabbed Lion?s remaining tallies.

Paget currently trail leaders St.David?s by a single point, but have a game in hand over their East End rivals.

And Belboda described Sunday?s 1-0 win over St.David?s as ?huge?.

?Personally I feel St.David?s are one of the better teams in the league. Somebody is down there drilling them because they are playing some excellent football,? he noted.

?And for us to beat them was a huge achievement as it took a lot of weight off our shoulders. That match was actually like playing in a final. It certainly took a physical toll on the players afterwards.

?My hat goes off to St.David?s but our confidence is high. We realise things are not going to happen overnight for us and that we still have a few adjustments to make.

?We haven?t reached our full potential yet but we are winning games. And there?s still room for improvement.?

Paget host Social Club at White Hill Field this weekend before turning their attention to their November 13 FA Cup first round commitment with commercial giants Robin Hood at Southampton Oval.

Lions were booted from last year?s competition for fielding an ineligible player.

Bermuda Football Association announced yesterday that Lobster Pot will take on St.George?s All-Stars at White Hill Field and not St.George?s Colts in the FA Cup on November 13.

First Division St.George?s will instead meet Valley FC on November 27 in the FA Cup at Somerset Cricket Club.