That was North Village's calling card last year, when they proved most stingy in conceding goals -- just 14 were scored against them in 18 league matches.

However, they were equally ineffective when it came to scoring themselves, that until a change in their attacking formation produced a late-season goal rush.

They finished 1992-93 fourth in the league and seized the Friendship Trophy on the tails of a 2-1 triumph over Devonshire Colts in the final.

They may not be able to duplicate such stellar defensive play this time around, with that area being decimated through player departures, injuries and unavailability.

Centre-back Michael Hansey is believed lost for the season due to a serious knee injury sustained when struck by a taxi. Ironically this occurred while the player celebrated the Friendship result.

Also, promising youngster Kimande Binns has resumed schooling abroad, Bermuda national squad defenders Albert Caisey and Shawn Smith transferred to Boulevard and Devonshire Cougars respectively and goalkeeper Cymande Davis moved down the road to Dandy Town.

Former Bantam team goalkeeper Anthony Swan is set to control the space between the `sticks' at least until new signing Carlyle Crockwell finishes serving a five-game suspension meted out following a fracas at BAA field involving his former club PHC and Devonshire Colts towards the end of last season.

"I'm optimistic of our chances,'' said Trott, who intimated that this will be his last year as head coach of the Red Devils. "Defensively, we've lost players and we may be a bit weak in that area.

"How we perform early (in defence) may tell us a lot as well as how the rest of the team reacts to it.

"But I expect us to be in there, challenging for all the cups.'' Skipper Elliott Jennings returns to lead the squad along with other veterans Kevin Grant and Phillip Clarke.

Former English professional and brother of Elliott, Kentoine Jennings, also will be relied upon to lead them to the next plateau.

Sprinkled around the aforementioned trio are a mixture of youngsters with one or two seasons to their credit, who are eager to establish themselves in the league.

"I feel that we have a fairly solid team,'' said team manager Cornell Castle.

"It will likely boil down to what chances we put away.

"Goal-scoring has been our biggest problem, our finishing. That and goalkeeping may determine how far we go.

"As for the younger players that we have, they have to be a little patient, because it's not always going to be their time to play. But when they do get the opportunity they have to put their best foot forward.

"This year the league is our main priority ... we've been wanting to win it for a long time. We would also like to be in position for any other trophies, especially the Dudley Eve and FA.'' Andrew Bascome returned during the off-season and has been informing players on the technical aspects of the game. It will be interesting to see what influence he has on the team.

Said Castle: "He (Bascome) brings a certain chemistry where players seem to get really hyped up.

"He does a lot more of the technical sessions and the guys look forward to that and they have a high respect for Andrew. So, therefore, whatever he's bringing they're taking it in with open arms.'' Recent training sessions have concentrated on stretching opposing defences and allowing the forwards more space in which to operate.

Trott realises that he may not get as much out of the defence as last year, hence the need to emphasise more in terms of attack.

1992-93 accomplishments: Won Friendship Trophy, fourth in league.

Notable player transfers: In -- Andrew Bascome, Carlyle Crockwell, Eugene Simmons.

Out -- Albert Caisey, Clinton Caisey, Shawn Smith, Cymande Davis, Troy Harvey, Stephen Coddington, Kevin Bailey, Cornell Castle.

ELLIOTT JENNINGS -- Village's best player last season.