Seven points from six matches – Hogges would have taken that at the start of the season.

Obviously we would have hoped for more than one point from our double-header against Wilmington Hammerheads last weekend, but should we beat Real Maryland Monarchs tonight then we would jump to joint-second in the table. That should be all the motivation our players need.

Although we didn't play particularly attractive football in the second match against Hammerheads I was impressed with our level of discipline and we kept in the game right until the final whistle.

Last season I believe we would have lost by more than one goal because we would have lost our shape and chased the equaliser in an amateurish manner. That shows that our players are learning the harsh lessons of past seasons.

We had a couple of good chances later on and were probably a little unlucky not to take anything from the game. Just as they have been all season, I thought our supporters were brilliant and we really appreciate their support. I think our half-time entertainment has gone down pretty well with the fans and hopefully we will get another good crowd against Monarchs in tonight's match at the National Sports Centre.

I think it will be a lot more entertaining than last week's matches, as Monarchs are a team that tries to play an attractive brand of football and that should suit us. They beat us 3-2 earlier in the season and it's important we avenge that and get back to winning ways at home.

Monarchs will certainly be no pushovers though. They're fourth in the league and managed an impressive win over Crystal Palace Baltimore earlier in the season. Anthony Hudson (son of former Chelsea and England player Alan Hudson) has completely rebuilt the team since taking over as coach and will be rightly pleased with the start he has made.

We know Anthony well from his stint as assistant coach at Wilmington Hammerheads and I knew he was looking for greater responsibility. He's an ambitious young coach and I really hope he enjoys much success at Monarchs as long as they return to the US empty handed! For more details visit www.bermudahoggesfc.com