The stakes will be high for Hamilton Parish and PHC Zebras when they do battle for a spot in the semi-finals of the Dudley Eve Trophy at Goose Gosling Field on Sunday night (8pm).

Parish top group A and only require a draw to join Paget Lions and Devonshire Colts in the last four.

But only a win will do for Zebras, who trail their rivals by two points heading into the crunch match.

Rather than take the conservative route, Parish coach Sergio Goater says his team is going all out for the win as they attempt to reach the semi-finals in the competition for the second straight season.

“We are looking to win the match,” Goater told The Royal Gazette. “Every time we go onto the pitch we want to win.

“How do you play for a draw? I really don't want that mentality and you have to play to win the match.

“Every time you cross that white line that's what you should be thinking and that's what I have been instilling in them; to go out and try to win.

“It’s another semi-final berth at stake and is definitely something we are looking forward to and trying to get over the hurdle coming up against probably the last powerhouse in the draw.”

Parish thrashed Wolves 6-1 and edged Dandy Town 1-0 in their other group matches to thrust themselves in pole position for the sole automatic semi-final spot up for grabs.

Goater attributes his team’s impressive start to the campaign to the hard work put in during the preseason.

“We had a good preseason. It's probably the first since maybe when I first got there in the First Division that we've actually had a consistent preseason. Definitely put the work in and this is what they are reaping.

"We've rode our luck a few times which is how it is. But the results are there, so with the results of course it’s going to bring confidence.“

An integral part of Parish’s success has been the prolific form of midfielder Leroy Lewis Jr, who is off to blistering start having netted five goals in two outings, including the season’s first hat-trick in his team’s demolition of Wolves.

“For me LJ (Lewis) is the type of player that plays free of pressure; he plays the game as if he's in the back yard,” Goater added.

“He just plays so free and has the eye for goal. I think he is the type of player that thinks he can score every attack, so long may it last."

Meanwhile, Premier Division champions Zebras also hope to advance beyond the group stage and captain Daren Usher says he and his team-mates are up to the task with their backs against the wall.

“Three points from this match guarantees us a place in the semi-finals of the competition,” he said.

“We want to continue to progress and push on at the possibility of adding another piece of silverware for the season. But Hamilton Parish will be having the same hopes so we know it’s going to be a battle.

“Parish have shown that they are not a team to take lightly. They have the talent and have shown that they are willing to fight. It’s all going to come down to who wants it more on the day.

“The boys are putting in the work to make sure that we get the job done to advance to the semis.

“It’s still early in the season and things still need to be worked out, but it’s nothing that should be an issue. We will be ready for Sunday!”

Zebras were held to a 1-1 draw against Town and edged Wolves 2-1 in their other group matches.

The intriguing showdown between Parish and Zebras will be proceeded by the other remaining group A clash between Town and Wolves to kick off at 6pm.

Paget topped group B and promoted Colts group C.

The three group winners will be joined in the semi-finals by the second best team overall in the group stage.