Robin Hood will look to continue where they left off last season and deny Dandy Town Hornet’s bid for another “hat-trick” when they play them in the Charity Cup at Bernard Park on Sunday.

Hood spoilt Town’s attempt to win three straight FA Cup titles in April when they defeated them 2-0 in the final to land their first title in the competition.

That win earned Hood the right to play in the Charity Cup for the first time, the traditional season opener.

Hornets are bidding for three straight Charity Cup titles after beating Somerset Trojans 3-0 last season and 4-0 in 2014.

Kyle Lightbourne, the Robin Hood coach, is eager to get the season under way and vowed his team will be taking the match seriously as they look to build on last season’s success.

“Town are always a team that can cause teams problems because they have pace up front,” Lightbourne said.

“We’ll be looking forward to it, I know they have had a few issues pre-season, but once you cross that white line you have to be prepared to play. We are taking it seriously as winning is a habit and losing becomes a habit so we want to get off to a good start.

“This is our first time in this cup and hopefully we’ll put on a good showing. I’m glad we have three games [two Dudley Eve Trophy matches] before our season really kicks off.”

Hood have kept the bulk of their squad from last season and added to it with the signing of midfielder Chris Caisey, the former Devonshire Cougars and Hamilton Parish captain.

Also joining from relegated Parish are teenager Zuhri Burgess and Macquille Walker, who also play in midfield.

“Chris is a player I’ve watched for many years when he was playing for Devonshire Cougars,” Lightbourne said.

“He’s very good on the ball and we’re hoping we can get Chris playing at his top level.

“Zuhri Burgess, Aljame Zuill’s son, is definitely one for the future. He’s impressed me and will be involved. He made it known early on that he wanted to come to Hood, so I’m looking forward to working with him.

“He’s a part of the [Bermuda] under-17s and is one of their leaders. He has played as a centre forward for Hamilton Parish, but in the last couple of years he’s been playing in midfield. He has a lot of ability, loves the game and is willing to work hard.

“Macquille, Irving Burgess’s son, is away in school so we’ll see him when he comes back.

“Dante Brangman signed up for us last season [from Southampton Rangers] but was away in school so he’s going to be like a new signing. He’s going to be here from the beginning of the season.”

Lightbourne views the match as useful preparation for their opening match in the Dudley Eve Trophy next Saturday against Devonshire Cougars at Bernard Park.

“We have spoken about what we would like to achieve this season and we want to do better than last season,” Lightbourne said. “We want to try to win the league and it’s up to the players to put in the effort and work hard.

“There’s always a surprise package and one of the teams to watch out for this season could be Boulevard. They had a lot of momentum towards the end of last season and may take it into this season.”

Lightbourne played a few cricket games this season for Southampton Rangers, who meet Cleveland County in the Premier Division on Sunday.

The Hood coach, however, will be at Bernard Park for his team’s match at 5pm.

“My thing was to help them out when they were short,” he said. “Rangers are a former team of mine.”

There will be a Dudley Eve Trophy double-header on Monday at Goose Gosling Field, where North Village will play Devonshire Cougars at 3pm before PHC Zebras take on Boulevard at 5pm.