Southampton Rangers defender Kemon Simons is confident his side can go one better and win the Friendship title this year as they prepare to raise the curtain on the competition with a showdown against Dandy Town at Somerset Cricket Club tonight.

Last year's run ended in heartbreak for the men from Southampton when they fell agonisingly short of the title, going down 2-1 to tenants PHC.

However, with a new season comes new belief and Simons believes his side can go one better and lift a piece of silverware.

"We will approach this match just like any other," said Simons.

"I think right now we have a couple of injuries so we may have to draft in a few youngsters, but we will still go in to win regardless.

"We want to get back to where we where and go one step better and lift the trophy.

"I think last year we were a bit unlucky but the game is like that.

"We will definitely be looking to win it this year."

The two sides are yet lock horns this year but it's set to be an intriguing encounter.

Having seen leads slip away in their opening two matches, Rangers got in the win column against Devonshire Colts last weekend to get their season back on track and will be looking to add to Town's current miserable form.

Hornets are winless in their last four matches and will also be looking to bounce back and make a long cup run.

Simons, however, wouldn't be drawn into any war of words, and stated that the match will be won on the pitch.

"It was always important to win against Colts last weekend to bounce back from the losses we had, especially after going up in both games only to lose.

"We haven't played Dandy Town but it all depends on the night.

"We go into every game trying to win and hopefully we will come out on the other end victorious."

The First Division Shield match between MR Onions and X-Roads will precede the Friendship match.

The Shield match begins at 7 p.m., while the Friendship match begins at 9 p.m.