Somerset Trojans and Young Men’s Social Club square off in an intriguing Friendship Trophy quarter final contest at PHC Field tonight (9pm).

There was no separating the two teams when they battled to a 2-2 draw in the previous meeting between the clubs in the Premier Division at Devonshire Recreation Club in October and Trojans coach Jensen Rogers believes this cup-tie will be just as fiercely fought.

“We respect the opponent who are coming off a good result over the weekend,” he told The Royal Gazette. “We are looking forward to a very competitive match.”

Trojans find themselves in the relegation zone with only one win under their belt at the midway stage of the 2023-24 Premier Division campaign.

However, Rogers is encouraged by the commitment and motivation his players have demonstrated despite their struggles and remains optimistic his team’s fortunes will eventually take a turn for the better.

“We are continuing to build. There have been good numbers in training and guys are applying themselves,” he added.

Social Club have momentum heading into the match after holding unbeaten Premier Division leaders North Village to a 1-1 draw in their previous outing at Bernard Park last weekend.

“The players are definitely motivated, especially after a good performance against North Village,” coach Michael Smith said.

“I am confident that my team is going to come ready and prepared.”

Like his opposite number, Smith also anticipates another tough encounter between the two rivals.

“We highly rate the opponent,” he said. “With the track record that they have in cup competitions, we are definitely coming in trying to be organised, mentally prepared and ready to go.

“We are looking at Somerset as a young, talented team who we know we have to be on our ‘A’ game to beat. It’s just as simple as that.”

The Friendship Trophy match will be preceded by the First Division Shield quarter-final pitting Ireland Rangers against Boulevard (6:30pm) for the second straight match.

Boulevard hold a psychological advantage after winning 2-0 in the First Division in the previous meeting between the teams at Somerset Cricket Club exactly a week ago.