Trophy, but the 5-3 victory over Wolves came at premium cost.

Starting centre-backs Kentoine Jennings and Kimandi Binns were casualties of the riveting battle of attrition at Somerset Cricket Club on Tuesday night, and both may be lost to the line-up for a considerable period as the Red Devils embark on the crucial stretch drive.

Jennings, the undoubted heart and soul of a defence that ranks third in the Premier Division, appears the more serious worry, with possible ligament damage to his left knee. Doctors were yesterday waiting for the swelling to go down before making a detailed prognosis of the star defender.

Paramedics were called to the west end club to attend Jennings during the early stages of the first half, after the player crumpled to the ground, writhing in pain following a collision in midfield. He was eventually transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment before being later released.

This after Binns had already been forced to the sidelines with a groin injury, forcing a dramatic reshuffling of the back four, with Michael Hansey drafted in as the replacement sweeper, and normal full-back, Jawan Thomas placed in the role of marking centre-half.

The pair performed admirably under testing circumstances, holding out just enough for their side to advance.

However, while many coaches might rue such misfortune, Village boss Scott Morton, was confident in his side's ability to endure, even without his regulars.

"Ever since David went down, no doubt, Kentoine has been the heart and soul and will be a miss,'' said Morton, his reference being to that of David Thomas, Jennings' partner in the middle of defence before a rib injury likewise shelved him prior to the Christmas period.

Continued on page 25 Village hit by injuries Continued from page 23 Morton went on: "Kentoine is a solid rock ... I'm sure any striker in Bermuda would tell you that, but with David coming back, and our other replacements, I have all the confidence in the world.

"People saw the capabilities that remain with Hansey and Jawan filling in, so I don't see it as a problem. As long as the central part -- the spine -- is fine, I'm happy with that.'' Village are also helped by the fact that, aside from the matter of an quarter-final FA Cup tie next Thursday, they are idle for the next two weeks, which will allow them much needed time to heal and regroup.

The leaders for much of the first half of the season and holding a four-point advantage at the midway mark, Village have faltered since having to play four games in nine days on their way to winning the Dudley Eve Trophy. The Pembroke club have managed only draws in their last two league outings, allowing Dandy Town to move into the leadership via goal difference.

Town were also involved in the holiday tournament, but their early elimination has proven a blessing, allowing them to recharge the engine for what promises to be a challenging stretch run.

"It's all taken its toll with all the non-stop soccer over the Christmas break, to the point that we really haven't had any time for training sessions,'' explained Morton. "It's been all games and between that I've preferred to let them rest, but all the matches have taken a toll, and, add that to a couple of our guys having had to play through the flu, we've hung in there. I'm just glad that we have a solid nucleus of players.'' "Often when you lose you gain in other areas. (Town) gained as far as the rest is concerned, have come out hungry with a real desire, are scoring a lot more goals and not conceding any, which is a positive sign for them.

"But, in a way, it takes the pressure off of us a bit. Because now we're not considered the leaders and the pressure on the players will not be so great to win everything.

"We'd won the Dudley Eve, were on top of the tables. And the size of Bermuda means that the players hear all of this on a constant basis and it can wear on you and affect the way players are on the field.

"So being behind allows us to concentrate on playing our game and not be bombarded with so much outside pressures.'' Morton said that he is stressing to his players the importance of performing well in the league, with success in the knock-out cup competitions a bonus.

Bermuda Football Association have turned down Wolves' appeal against the sending off of midfielder Mark Ray for violent conduct in last Friday's clash with Southampton Rangers. The Devonshire club presented a match video which failed to convince BFA officials of the player's innocence.

Out of action: Groin strain victim Kimandi Binns (right), seen here tussling with Devonshire Colts' Keenan Burchall.