Holders North Village and St George’s Colts will renew their close and intense rivalry in the season-ending FA Cup Final at Flora Duffy Stadium tomorrow.

Village have won two of the three exchanges between the Premier Division rivals this campaign, with the other ending in a 3-3 stalemate in an enthralling league clash at Bernard Park in January.

Kenny Thompson’s team are keen to retain their title which would draw them level with PHC for the most wins in the competition at 11.

Village are making their second trip to the national stadium in five days, having lost 3-2 against PHC in the Premier Division title decider on Tuesday night.

The defeat has left a bitter taste in the mouth of Village vice-captain and former Zebras midfielder Tre Ming, who is determined to help his team turn around their fortunes and end the season on a high note.

“Tuesday devastated me. I was so heavily invested in it,” Ming told The Royal Gazette.

“I still haven’t gotten over it, so rather then harp on it, I’m using that to amp me up and look to do our fans, families and, more importantly, ourselves right with peace of mind.

”I know St George’s are ready, but we are coming!“

Village came from behind to edge PHC 2-1 in last season’s final, which shattered the Triple Crown dreams of the Zebras, who were missing inspirational captain Marco Warren that day because of suspension.

St George’s are venturing into new terrain, this being their first appearance in the final of the prestigious competition

“We are very excited to be in our first FA Cup Final ever,” said St George’s coach Jarreau Hayward.

“We’ve made history, but we aren’t there to just make up the numbers and are looking to make more history.”

Hayward is well aware of the enormous task at hand, given the tight battles the two rivals have produced throughout the season, which neither managed to dominate.

“North Village was as close as a team can get to winning the league. They have been very consistent and are well coached, so we will have to be at our best,” he added.

Asked whether playing in the final has provided added incentive to his players, Hayward continued: “These players are winners; they don't need any added incentive. Everything we need is already innate inside of them and has been all season.

“They are aware of what it means to the club and community to even be there, but this final is another step in our evolution.

“I'm sure this experience will grow our players even further. Hopefully, our fans get a chance to celebrate throughout and after the game. I know what it means to them.

“As I said, these players are winners. They have passion, youth, experience and desire, so we just have to show up and apply. The moment won't faze us. We are ready.

“Preparations have gone really well. We are probably the healthiest we have been all season, so now it's just about application, fight and mentality.

“We have a lot of really effective options and every player is ready to be called on, which is a huge plus.”

Hayward said playing at the stadium is a privilege.

“Playing up the carpet is always a privilege, and we won't take it lightly,” he added. “It's a pretty good pitch, one of the best on the island.

“The privilege of being at the national stadium for a final is not lost on us, and I’m sure it's the first of many to come in our club’s future.”

St George’s captured their first major title after edging Devonshire Colts 1-0 in the 1996 Friendship Trophy final.

Kick-off on Sunday is at 4pm, with the match preceded at 1.30pm by the Under-17 KO Cup final between North Village and FC Bascome.