"We came here to compete and we want to return to Montserrat with a victory."

Those were the bold words of Montserrat coach William Lewis ahead of his side's opening encounter of only their second World Cup adventure.

Apparently pleased with the immaculate playing surface at the National Sports Centre, the Antiguan boss is eagerly awaiting the clash ? very much a journey into the unknown.

Lewis is happy to admit he "doesn't know too much" about their Bermudian opponents, which puts him on pretty much the same knowledge level as counterpart Kenny Thompson, who put in an appearance to watch yesterday's hour-long Montserrat training session.

Although giving an Alex Ferguson-esque cagey interview to Lewis did reveal his side revolved around a lynch-pin of three players with experience of English football ? albeit at a relatively low level.

Wayne Dyer, the scorer of Montserrat's single goal in World Cup football, plays alongside Vladimir Farrell in the semi-professional Dr Marten's League for Hinckley United while Sean Howson represents his university in the UK.

"They offer us a lot of experience and are our on-field leaders," said Lewis, who coached an Antiguan side who took on Bermuda in the early 1990s.

"Everyone is looking forward to the match. Both teams know little about each other and it should make for an interesting affair ? a very good game."

Although the British Overseas Territory side have shied away from playing recognised opposition during the build-up to tomorrow's qualifier, to protect team morale, they have played "two or three games" against local opposition on the volcano-ravaged island of 4,500 inhabitants.

"Preparation has gone well," Lewis added.

"We have played some games against the rest of the island and I have been happy with the way the players have worked together. I was particularly happy in the last game where we scored ten goals ? everything is very much on target."

Asked if his confidence in his players would be backed up with an attacking formation, with the away goals at the fore-front of everyone's minds, all he would say is "we will mix it up".

The Montserrat team will venture onto the National Sports Centre pitch for another hour of training this morning.