PHC Zebras will attempt to get back on track when they come up against X-Roads Warriors in the Dudley Eve Trophy at Devonshire Recreation Club tonight.

The Premier Division and Friendship Trophy champions suffered back-to-back losses in their previous two outings, stretching back to last the previous campaign, going down to North Village in the 2022-23 season-ending FA Cup final and last weekend’s 2023-24 curtain-raising Charity Cup.

PHC captain Daren Usher said his side are determined to quickly put their disappointing start to the new campaign behind them and get back to winning ways.

“We are ready to make amends for that Charity Cup loss,” Usher said. “We’ve identified small problems from the first game and are ready to go.”

PHC are the favourites heading in to the tie, however, Usher is adamant no one is taking their opponents lightly.

“It’s a new season and we haven’t anything seen anything from X-Roads just yet,” he added. “However, the main thing is to not underestimate our opponents.

“As long as we stay focus and do what we know we can we will be successful in the game.”

The experienced defender was handed the captain’s armband after the tragic loss of former captain Marco Warren, who died after a suspected hit-and-run incident in May.

“Marco made it a tough act to follow, but It’s definitely an honour to be named captain of a club as big as PHC,” Usher said.

“I wish it was under better circumstances, but nevertheless the role has been passed on to me and it is a huge honour to me.

“I have been looked at as a leader in the team for the last few seasons so it has not been a difficult transition.”

PHC also have a new head coach this season in Quincy Hunt who has succeeded predecessor Winston Trott Jr at the helm.

“He [Hunt] has been a part of the team the last few seasons so it hasn’t been any major adjustments,” Usher added. “He has his own ideas and plans, which for the most part the players seem to be buying into.”

The PHC versus X-Roads clash kicks off at 9pm and will be preceded by the Dudley Eve Trophy fixture between North Village and promoted side Young Men’s Social Club at 7pm.

Action continues tomorrow with a double header at Goose Gosling Field where holders Somerset Trojans will begin their title defence against Hamilton Parish (8pm) and promoted Paget Lions doing battle with St George’s Colts (6pm).