tournament because of contrasting fortune.

But tonight there is no avoiding one another as they clash in the quarter-finals of the Friendship Trophy at PHC Stadium at 9 p.m., a meeting held over from December 14.

Town's holiday tournament success, combined with Boulevard's recent slump, has suddenly seen the Hornets established as the hottest team at the moment.

While Colts lost two straight to be the first team to be eliminated from the Dudley Eve Trophy, Town were the first team to the finals and eventually beat Village over two legs to pick up their first trophy of the season.

And, if they can get by Colts, more silverware is beckoning as they, like Colts, are still in the FA Cup and in the thick of the league title race.

An interesting battle is also developing in the goal-scoring race where Ellington Weldon, the Colts captain, and Town's Carlos Smith are joint top scorers with nine goals.

Though it appears Town may have a slight edge, the two meetings between the teams this season suggests the match will be close. They drew 1-1 in the Martonmere Cup while 10 days later Town edged by Colts 3-2.

Colts boosted their confidence on Saturday when they handed Boulevard their first loss in the league in three months.

Tonight's opening match at 7.00 sees Somerset Eagles and Hamilton Parish clashing in the Second Division Shield.

Eagles' hopes of success could rest in the cups as they are still in the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage.

In fact, tonight will give both them and their January 23 opponents, Colts, the chance to have a look at each other.

CARLOS SMITH -- Nine goals.