IT isn't something that a couple of good results cannot put right. Even so being on the bottom of the Premier Division table is not a situation that North Village are familiar with.

While powerhouses like PHC, Somerset Trojans and Devonshire Colts have all been relegated, North Village have never suffered such a fate since they have been in the top division. It is expected that things will turn around sooner rather than later and Village will soon be challenging towards the top of the tables.

The defending league and FA Cup champions continued their winless start to the league season when Boulevard beat them 1-0 last Saturday night. A day later the Rams hit rock bottom when PHC defeated Somerset Trojans to send the champions crashing to last place.

It is still too early in the season for panic to set in at Bernard Park, even if they are already out of the Martonmere Cup and have only scored once in three league games. They can change that tonight when they travel to Devonshire Rec. to meet neighbours Devonshire Cougars, a task that won't be easy considering they recently lost to Cougars in the Martonmere Cup.

While in Dwayne (Streaker) Adams they have a top quality 'keeper, Village's problems have been scoring goals. The return to action of Clay Smith and Tafari Outerbridge and the availability of late signing Mackie Crane after November 11 should help ease the problems in that area. Smith is a likely starter tonight as Dwight Warren's sabbath rules him out.

The match should be a good test for both Village and Cougars, who followed up their win in the Martonmere Cup by crashing to a 3-0 defeat to Dandy Town just a few days later. It is promising to be one of those seasons where the title race remains wide open.

Currently Devonshire Colts hold down top spot with seven points from three matches, with Town hot on their heels a point behind. Town are in action on Saturday night at BAA Field when they take on a Boulevard team that will be looking to add to their first points of a week ago.

Fans wishing to watch Premier Division action on Sunday will have to make the trek westward as the only two matches scheduled are at White Hill and Somerset Cricket Club.

Eagles, beaten by a late goal by Devonshire Colts last weekend, welcome PHC Zebras to White Hill Field while the Trojans lay out the welcome mat for the league leading Colts who, despite playing without key defender Shannon Burgess (abroad) the last few weeks, have remained the only unbeaten team in the top division.

The First Division promotion race is shaping up to be an interesting one with four teams expected to be strong contenders.

St. George's are the suprise leaders of the division following wins over Southampton and Ireland Rangers. They should hold onto that spot at home to Social Club, though the Bluebirds have improved on last season and are quite capable of springing a surprise. Second-placed Hamilton Parish, a point behind but with a game in hand, have a tough outing when they travel to Rangers Oval for the top match in the division.

Ireland Rangers are at home to Wolves at Malabar Field while St. David's host Prospect still looking for their first win.

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The two finalists for the Martonmere Cup will determined on Tuesday night at Devonshire Rec. when PHC meet Somerset Trojans in the 7.00 semi-final and current holders Devonshire Cougars take on Devonshire Colts in the 9.00 clash. Cougars are aiming to win back-to-back titles, something achieved on seven occasions since the tournament began back in 1972-73.

Colts have not won the cup since winning the inaugural final, losing six times in the final since then. Somerset have the most wins, seven, while North Village have won six times and Dandy Town and Boulevard four each.