league champions when they take on a vastly improved, though still struggling, St. George's Colts at PHC Stadium (9 p.m.).

The East Enders well remember the 7-0 work-over the Portugese club gave them when the pair last met at BAA.

Corey Hill and Sammy Swan both scored hat-tricks during that encounter and following a lean spell are anxious to get among the goals again, at St.

George's expense of course.

However, this time Vasco enter with their confidence dented. Coach John Rebello openly questioned the desire of his charges earlier in the week, attacking their "lackadaisical attitude'' towards training in recent weeks and stressed a return to the basics.

Welcomed back is defensive stalwart Kentoine Jennings, but lost are Paul Towlson and Dwight Basden, victims of referee Lyndon Raynor's red card in the midst of a heated battle against Dandy Town.

Clay Smith proved his worth against North Village last weekend scoring a goal in his first appearance since travelling to Guyana with the national cricket team. And though not yet match fit he can strike at a moment's notice on any defence, the left foot always a lethal weapon.

The outcome could hinge on whether St. George's are strong enough in defence, where Neil Paynter and Quinton Francis in particular need to rise and shut down Vasco's often explosive attack of Hill, Swan and Irving Burgess.

Sunday presents an intriguing clash at St. John's Field where First Division leaders Southampton Rangers take on a Dandy Town side fresh from a win over Vasco.

Rangers began the season with a roar, winning their first three matches, but have tailed off as of late losing two in a row, going down 2-1 to Devonshire Colts in the league, while being bounced out of the Friendship Trophy competition by Boulevard on penalty kicks last Tuesday night.

Making the second loss more severe for the Southampton club was an injury to key player Janeiro Tucker that has the two-sport star hobbling and doubtful for tomorrow's match.

Town may be without regular goalkeeper Antoine Lightbourne, a casualty of the Vasco match while already playing hurt.

Both teams were level on nine points along with Vasco and North Village prior to last night's clash between the Red Devils and Devonshire Cougars.

Anxious to move further into contention are PHC and Devonshire Colts. Either can do so at the other's expense, with Colts in the role as hosts.

If not for the deduction of three points for playing an ineligible player the Zebras would already be in prime position. Jack Castle's project may be coming into formation earlier than forecast. However, his youngsters must prove themselves to be consistent.

Certainly the most unpredictable outfit have been Boulevard, with the back of town side engaging on a roller coaster ride through eight matches.

It may be important for Boulevard to stamp their authority early against Sunday's opponents, St. David's, a team hungry for their first league victory.

Meanwhile, a lot may be told of the Second Division picture when Hotels travel to face leaders Somerset at the west end. Somerset have 10 points and are unbeaten in all play as are Hotels, who have seven from one less match.

Both feature players of top flight calibre, Hotels containing the likes of Dennis Robinson, Diallo Sharrief and the still dangerous veteran Ricky Hill, while the Trojans counter with Musceo Hunt, Shawn Riley and have a most promising youngster in Jelani Butterfield.