The stage has been set for what promises to be exciting Martonmere Cup semi-finals.

Two-time defending champions North Village Rams and last year?s runner-up Dandy Town have been kept apart, Devonshire Cougars? hopes for a second title remain intact while seven-time winners Somerset Trojans are a win away from appearing in the final for the first time since 1992.

Cougars, 2001-02 champions, clinched Group A on Friday night courtesy of a 1-1 draw against cup holders Rams while Trojans wrapped up Group B after their morale boosting 2-1 win over Hornets.

Andrew Bascome?s Cougars will now take on Dandy Town while Rams and Trojans will lock horns in the remaining semi-final slated for October 11 at a venue yet to be announced.

The eventual winners will then take to the National Sports Centre for the November 11 Remembrance Day final.

Rams are gunning for an unprecedented third straight Martonmere Cup crown. The Bernard Park-based club currently hold the record for the most overall wins (eight), have appeared in the most finals (12) and are the first club to win successive titles on three separate occasions in the competition?s 33-year history.

?We never enter competitions thinking about records. We only think about winning and improving our game,? Rams stalwart Kentoine Jennings told

?There?s really no pressure on us because I think we have a good blend of youth and experience in our team and for the most part I have been pleased with our performances.?

Rams advanced to a third straight semi-final on the back of successive draws against Zebras and Cougars, but not before losing inspirational forward Ralph Bean Jr.

Jennings continued: ?I think we still have to adjust to our new system of play and if anything else I think we could be a bit more consistent as far as scoring goals is concerned,?

Rams have also been without the services of big striker Mackie Crane and midfield wizard Jemieko Jennings.

After watching his new-look squad take maximum points from their two Group B matches, Trojans? coach Dennis Brown assessed: ?Overall I think we have been fairly consistent, but I thought we lacked a bit of efficiency when in possession of the ball.?

Brown gave his defence, marshalled by newcomer Sean Simmons, top grades but did concede maintenance work will have to be applied to his team?s midfield.

?We?ve been giving away far too many balls in midfield and not creating opportunities for our strikers,? he added.

?I thought we were better organised defensively in our last match (against Town) then we were against Boulevard. But there?s still a long way to go and to be in the semi-finals is a good step for us.?

As for Trojans? semi-final opponents, Brown said: ?One thing about winning championships is that at some point in time you will have to go through the defending champions. And if we are to be successful in this particular competition then we will have to defeat North Village.

?It?s going to be a battle and I have the utmost respect for Village and we will have to come prepared to play our best football.?

Trojans edged Rams 1-0 last February at Somerset Cricket Club.

Having lost to Hornets in the 2004 FA Cup final and last season?s inaugural Champions Cup, Cougars assistant coach Gary (Tuba) Mallory reckons the Big Cats have a score to settle.

?Hopefully we can get that sorted out and begin a new chapter. It?s just another obstacle we will have to get over and another chance to put things back in perspective in the semi-final,? he said.

Cougars clinched their group via a high-scoring win over PHC and a draw against defending champs Rams. And while Cougars again demonstrated their potency around goal, a porous defence was again exploited. Cougars banged in six goals but conceded five.

And Mallory was the first to admit several adjustments will have to be made prior to next month?s semi-final.

The Big Cats have appeared in three Martonmere Cup finals incidentally each time against Rams, losing the first meeting 1-0 against their nearby rivals in 1980 on the Carpet.

Mallory, who enjoyed playing stints at Cougars, Village and Boulevard, added: ?We are just looking to get the right balance and chemistry and all the guys playing together.

?It?s still early in the season and we still have some areas we need to work on. But once we achieve this then there?s no reason why the guys should not be successful.?

Hornets also have a few kinks to iron out, according to assistant coach Scott Morton.

Morton has returned from a one-year exile after relinquishing his post as Rams? coach at the conclusion of the 2003-04 season.

?Regardless who we play, we always look to improve within ourselves because we realise we can play a lot better,? he said.

?We haven?t played consistent enough and I still believe our players need to improve on their mental approach to the game and apply themselves overall.?

As for Hornets? next opponents, Morton noted: ?We respect every opponent we come up against. And based on the performances of other teams so far I rate our chances just as good as anyone else?s.?