come up against First Division powerhouses in the FA Cup quarter-finals tomorrow.

Second Division survivors Somerset Eagles, Hotels and Wolves have chances -- albeit remote -- to spring upsets and continue their fairytale rides when they face off against Devonshire Colts, North Village and Vasco respectively in the last eight.

Neither Eagles' coach Kenny Thompson, nor Robert Calderon of Hotels were ready to concede defeat yesterday, emphasising victory as distinctly possible.

For Thompson, who faces the most daunting task going against league leaders Colts (BAA Field, 2.30 p.m.), the match provides more than just the opportunity to advance, but also an occasion to gauge his team's progress.

"We're looking at the game as a chance to measure our development and it's great that we get to do so against the number one team in the country,'' said Thompson, in his first year as head coach of the west end club. "Of course, we look to win the match, but it gives us a chance to measure ourselves.'' Thompson expressed high respect for Colts, noting that their constructive, controlled play was something he was trying to imitate with his own group.

He detected few weaknesses, adding that it would take a near perfect performance by Eagles in order to advance.

"Basically we need to play extremely well. Defensively we need to stifle their attack and if we can do that, as well as put away one or two (goals) ourselves, we stand a chance of winning,'' he added.

"They're sound in all departments and play well on both sides of the ball.

What we have to do is play good football all around.'' Just looking at one side being in the top division and the other battling among the lower -- Eagles are currently third in the Second Division -- it might appear a done deal to the casual observer.

However, the FA Cup is known as a great leveller capable of producing surprises.

And Thompson intimated there to be not such a wide gulf between the upper and lower echelons in any case.

"In terms of tactical and technical quality -- and I mean no disrespect -- there's not much difference between the First and Second Divisions.

"But the physical aspect and speed of the game is greater in the First Division and that may be a determining factor.'' For Calderon the recipe for success against Village includes divine intervention.

"A little bit of prayer and try not to make too many mistakes, especially at the back,'' said Calderon, a former player and coach for the Red Devils. "In the FA Cup anything can happen.

"We have a lot of respect for North Village and this is one of the last trophies available for them other than perhaps the Friendship, so I expect them to come out fired up.'' Village need desperately to sort out their goal scoring woes, as any continuance of their current drought -- one which has seen them score three times in their last eight outings -- could spell doom.

Meanwhile, Hotels are hopeful that their defence orientated 3-5-2 formation will do just that.

"I think that any team which has problems scoring goals, especially in cup games, is vulnerable,'' said Calderon, whose side leads both divisions in total goals scored (27), while allowing the fewest (six). "The longer a supposedly inferior team stays in the game, the more confident they become and I'm hoping that we can stay in the game into the late stages.

"With them being the more regarded team, if we hang around it could unnerve and rattle them and work in our favour.'' Vasco may also be primed for the picking, having appeared no more than ordinary recently, and should be wary of a Wolves side hungry for respect when they clash at PHC.

The lone remaining match occurs at St. David's, where the Islanders face off against Boulevard.