Morton to lead out Hornets on ?carpet?
A new man will be at the Dandy Town helm for next week?s Martonmere Cup final against Somerset Trojans at the National Sports Centre.
Instead of coach Devarr Boyles leading his team out onto the ?carpet?, assistant Scott Morton will be given the honour as Hornets bid to shake off last season?s Martonmere loss to North Village.
Boyles will be off the Island as will ?keeper Jason Smith, younger brother of striker Carlos.
Meanwhile Town, edged out by Trojans in their last league match, host unbeaten PHC Zebras in tomorrow?s top Premier Division clash at the Barn.
Hornets? league hopes suffered a setback with last week?s loss to Trojans, their second of the season. But an optimistic Boyles told : ?We are not too disturbed because there?s still a long way to go.?
However, Boyles will be aware that any further setbacks at this stage of the season could all but sink his side?s title hopes as well as jeopardise their chances of qualifying for the Dudley Eve Trophy to be staged over the Christmas break.
Town are pitted against a Zebras squad ? boasting in-form Raynel (Manga) Lightbourne who has banged in six goals in his team?s last three outings ? that ended their FA Cup run last season.
Tokia Russell and captain Blenn Bean have been playing solid football for the Zebras of late while the age-defying Sammy Swan has made his presence felt coming off the bench.
The two clubs drew 2-2 last February in their previous meeting at the Barn.
Hornets have not been enjoying the best of times as they continue to regroup following the untimely death of full back Randy Swan nearly a year ago, striker Khano Smith?s elevation to the professional ranks in the US and subsequent retirements of captain Lionel Furbert and workhorse David Lawler at the end of last season.
While Michael Parsons appears to be settling in at his new abode, the forceful forward has yet to really gel up front with the likes of Smith, Ottis Steede and Jared Peniston who proved to be a real thorn in Trojans? side last weekend. Midfielder Anthony Thomas endured a miserable night in Somerset while Chris Anderson was noticeably absent from Town?s roster.
Up front, goals have been reduced to a trickle for Town, while Maurice Lowe?s defence remains on course to concede more than 15 goals for the first time in three seasons.
Conversely, Zebras appear to be firing on all cylinders. The strike force have netted 11 goals in their last two outings ? albeit against winless Devonshire Colts and Ireland Rangers ? while conceding only one.
And like Town, Zebras are also bidding to qualify for the Dudley Eve Trophy, played in honour of the father of former PHC coach Alfie Eve.
Elsewhere, Village seek to bounce back from a recent loss to defending league champs Devonshire Cougars. The Reds host Colts at Bernard Park in a match they must win in order to keep their Dudley Eve hopes alive.
Cougars can also move to within striking distance of qualifying for the festive competition with a win over Albert Smith?s Boulevard at BAA Field.
Blazers picked up their second win of the season against Colts last weekend.
Dennis Brown?s Trojans and Stevie Riley?s winless Ireland Rangers each have byes tomorrow.
In First Division action, Paget resume their charge in the standings. Lions, who trail leaders St.David?s by a sole point, are favoured over Social Club at White Hill Field while the Islanders host X Roads at Lords.
In remaining match-ups, St.George?s should bounce back from last weekend?s shock defeat against Police with victory over winless Hamilton Parish at Lords, Wolves hope to sink their teeth into Somerset Eagles at White Hill Field while Earl Basden?s Prospect take on Southampton Rangers at Police Field.