North Village striker Jonté Smith is bracing himself for what might be an unfriendly reception when he returns to St George’s on Saturday.

A few months after scoring a hat-trick that handed the East Enders their first FA Cup title, the forward is returning to Wellington Oval as a player with North Village. The match was initially scheduled to take place at Bernard Park, but with floodlight installation work not yet complete, Smith’s return to St George’s has come sooner than expected.

“I feel excited and I know the environment might get a bit hostile, but that’s the type of atmosphere that playing your old club brings,’’ Smith said.

“Overall, I know it’s a big game for both clubs and we want to make sure that we come away with three points.”

The 30-year-old opened his Village scoring account from the spot in a 1-0 victory over Dandy Town at Goose Gosling Field to pick up their first win of the season after they lost their opening match of the season 3-1 to Young Men's Social Club.

Smith will look to feed off Jai Bean, who recently scored two goals for Bermuda after coming off the bench in both matches against Dominica in the Concacaf Nations League.

“Jai will be on a high after scoring the winner for his country and there’s no better feeling,’’ Smith said.

“I have no doubt he’ll be high on confidence going into this weekend and he has the ability and the potential to be a leader for Bermuda on the field.

“If he keeps developing and learning on his current path there’s nothing that will stop him being a successful player for club and country.”

Village should also be boosted by the return of first-choice goalkeeper Detre Bell, who missed the first two league matches through suspension. In Bell’s absence, last season’s Premier Division runners-up turned to Terryn Fray, with the Somerset Cup Match captain keeping a clean sheet against Town.

Village face a St George’s side enjoying a decent start to the season with new coach Drewonde Bascome presiding over a win and a draw in his first two league matches.

After giving way to international action, the Premier Division returns on Friday when Wolves face Social Club at Devonshire Recreation Club (9pm).

Paget, who defeated Hamilton Parish 4-1 in their last match, face a wounded Devonshire Cougars at Southampton on Saturday (3pm).

Champions PHC scored 11 goals the last time they were in action and they take on Hamilton Parish at PHC Field on Sunday at 3pm.

At the same time Devonshire Colts, who have have won their opening two matches on their return to the top flight, face Town at Police Field.