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Big guns hope to avoid an early exit

Reprise: Devonshire Colts and PHC will reprise the Martonmere Cup Finalwhen they meet in the FA Cup this weekend.Photo by Tamell Simons

At least two of the Island's Premier Division teams will make early exits from the FA Cup when first round action resumes tomorrow.

After all is said and done, either PHC, Devonshire Colts, Dandy Town or Boulevard could be left singing the blues.

In fact, it could even be three teams, as cup giants Somerset Trojans will set sail in uncharted waters against a little-known St.David's side with possibly one or two tricks up their sleeves.

But all eyes are expected to be focused squarely on the Devonshire Colts-PHC clash at White Hill Field in what will be a rematch of the November 11 Martonmere Cup Final between two of the Island's most successful teams.

Both teams have suffered defeats since their last meeting, Colts a 1-0 Friendship Trophy loss to Devonshire Cougars and Zebras a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Boulevard.

This encounter has been postponed twice for varying reasons, however, all systems should be go at the third attempt.

Zebras do not need reminding of their catastrophic first round exit against Dandy Town last season when they allowed their urban rivals to come from 3-1 down to steal a hard-fought 4-3 win.

Veteran striker and assistant coach Kenny Mills is again expected to be in a line-up alongside cousin Stephen Astwood - back from a one-match suspension. He will add some firepower to an attack that has only found the back of the net twice in 210 minutes of soccer.

Skipper Stanton Lewis, however, is still reported to be nursing an injury with Alale Furbert again expected to deputise in his absence at the heart of the Zebras' defence. Tomorrow may also see the return from injury of another Zebra stalwart, defender Jevon Sealey.

Colts, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from their last performance in which they were ousted from the Friendship Trophy.

Still coming to terms with injury worries of their own, the two postponed matches may just have provided Ray Jones' men with ample time to regroup and prepare to mount a serious bid for a second title of the season. Colts last hoisted the FA Cup in 1999/00.

In another intriguing match-up, Dandy Town Hornets will revisit BAA Field to take on Boulevard Blazers for the second time in eight-days. And this time Hornets, last season's FA Cup finalists, will be hoping to regain their sting.

Last week these two clubs played to a tame 1-1 draw with neither team able to take a firm hold on the proceedings. And with so much more now at stake, tomorrow's contest may also be a low-scoring affair which could be decided by the odd goal.

Town will welcome Randy Swan - out through suspension last week - and speedy veteran forward Carlos Smith back into the fold, while Boulevard are expected to make just one change with veteran Albert Caisey set to return to the line-up.

Trojans, still bubbling from a 4-2 defeat of Town in their previous outing take on St.David's at Somerset Cricket Club and really should not encounter much resistance from their First Division counterparts.

First Division side Wolves, recently bundled out of the First Division Shield, now have their hands full with Commercial Division top dogs Robin Hood at Bernard Park while also at the same venue, current FA Cup holders North Village will be looking to take a bite out of Tuff Dogs in the feature match of a double-header. Village are highly fancied to advance into the sweet 16.

First Division side Prospect tackle St.George's All-Stars at Lord's while the FA Cup first round ties between Bermuda Pest Control and Paget and Devonshire Cougars and Young Men's Social Club have been put back to Tuesday night at Devonshire Recreation Club.