Call it coincidence, serendipity or perhaps divine intervention ? the choice of Bermuda?s team hotel may be a positive sign ahead of Sunday?s critical World Cup qualifier.

Starting today Kenny Thompson?s 18-man squad will be encamped at Willowbank, an ocean-side resort with a distinctly spiritual flavour.

The Somerset getaway ? marketed as an establishment ?firmly rooted in the historic Christian faith? ? will be the home side?s base as they plot how to overcome El Salvador at the National Sports Centre and advance to the third round of the 2006 World Cup qualifying tournament.

Willowbank general manager, Terri Allison, told that the 64-room, non-denominational hotel is run by a Christian Board of Trustees and, in keeping with its principles, it does not have a bar. This should hardly bother Bermuda?s players as alcohol is surely one of the last things on their minds at present.

Bermuda Football Association (BFA) finally secured accommodation for the Island?s players in this quiet, Christian environment after a few days of uncertainty surrounding arrangements for gathering the team together prior to their second-round return fixture against the Central Americans.

This followed problems in finding hotel rooms for the visiting team, a situation which almost forced Sunday?s match to be played in the USA.

Allison said Willowbank, which has hosted Cup Match teams in the past, were delighted to welcome Bermuda?s footballers to their premises, adding that they have been working with the BFA to meet the players? special needs.

She also disclosed that, like all other guests, the team would be able to seek spiritual upliftment before their big game.

?We provide Bible study for anybody who wants to go and listen. We have a speaker each day but it?s not mandatory,? said the general manager.

Asked about the choice of team hotel, coach Thompson replied it was simply a matter of availability.

As for if it being a blessing in disguise, he said: ?We work hard, we prepare well but we need a little bit of luck and, if there?s any divine intervention, okay, but I can?t comment on that.?

The Ministry of Transport have organised free bus rides for football fans wanting to attend Sunday?s World Cup qualifier.

Two buses will depart from Somerset and St. George?s terminals respectively at 5.15 p.m. and travel along Middle Road to ferry fans to the stadium.

Buses will leave for both locations 15 minutes after the game.

Spectators driving to Frog Lane, meanwhile, have been reminded by Police that parking on the sidewalks is illegal and officers will be ticketing those who violate that law on Sunday.

Drivers have also been asked not to block private residences.