North Village coach Kenny Thompson is expecting a tough challenge from Devonshire Cougars when the two teams clash in the FA Cup semi-final at PHC Field tonight (8pm).

Village, the FA Cup holders, have dominated Cougars this season, picking up all six league points, knocking them out of the Friendship Trophy and defeating them in the Dudley Eve Trophy final, but Thompson is not taking them lightly.

“It’s always a difficult match against Cougars,’’ Thompson said.

“We’ve done well this season but this is a completely new situation. Previous victories don't mean anything, so we have to bring a very high-quality game.

“Although we've done well against Cougars this season, that would make them more motivated to turn the tables so we have to be up for it like any other match.

“We’re looking forward to it and we always look to be in important matches at this time of the season.

“It’s a semi-final and all four teams at this stage will back themselves to get to the final. We are up against a tough opponent and we need to be at our best, physically and tactically, but we have a full squad available, which is pleasing.

“It does give us a lot of options in our starting line-up selection and squad selection. That’s a good situation to be in and everybody has to be ready to play their part, whether they start the game or required to finish the match.”

After faltering in their title challenge the FA Cup remains Cougars’ only hope of silverware and they come into the match off the back of a 4-4 draw against relegation-threatened X-Roads last weekend.