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Experience in Boulevard's favour

Which side plays better as a team? Has desire to win? Has more guts? Here is an analysis of how the two sides, Devonshire Colts and Boulevard, stack up against one another as they brace for the final.

In defence, Boulevard appear stronger, even though they conceded eight goals more than Colts in league play -- 26 compared to 18.

However, most of these goals came early when the team was without the services of centre-back Leroy Stevens as well as two other members -- Albert Smith and Neil Robinson -- involved in the World Cup campaign.

Stevens and Wayne Richardson, the longest-serving combination in the league, are solid in the middle while Dean Boyles is arguably the best right-back on the Island. His frequent forays along the flank can be a major problem for opponents. He is complemented on the left by Vernon Eve, who has shown steady improvement in his play.

Colts are no slouches though with Jahmal Samuels, Anthony Wilson, and Chris and Derek Wright lining up at the back.

Derek Wright has made great strides at the sweeper position, but often shows signs of cockiness, trying to do too much with the ball at the back and this could cost them against Boulevard.

The young Samuels, meanwhile, has done a remarkable job filling in for the injured Keenan Burchall at the right-back slot.

The experiment of having Richardson in midfield likely will end tomorrow with the inclusion of Cleveland-based Kevin Smith, due to be on the Island in time for the match.

He will likely take up a post in the centre of the midfield flanked by Brian Anderson and Carlos Pearman.

Colts can counter with Mark Ray, Dennis Williams and Leonard Hypolite, but once again the edge goes to the more seasoned Blazers crew, even in the absence of skipper Albert Smith, out with a severe knee injury.

Up front is where Colts have a decided edge, counting league-leading goal-scorer Ellington Weldon (15 goals) -- and the powerful Craig Smith (10) among its members.

A strike can come at any time and from anywhere on the pitch with these two operating in tandem and Smith no longer having to shoulder the entire scoring burden.

Completing their list of forwards is a tricky situation with both Quincey Aberdeen and Keishon Smith better coming off the bench. Still one will have to be placed in the starting line-up with the nod likely to go to Aberdeen.

Dwight Warren, Kenny Hill and Amon Brown attempt to match them on the Boulevard side.

Either of Colts' goalkeepers, Andre Hendrickson or Antoine Lightbourne, would rank higher than the erratic Mitchell Steede of Boulevard, who had a nightmare in the last match, allowing five goals, including one which rolled through his legs.

The experience factor definitely favours Boulevard as does the fact that they will be playing on a large field, which is conducive to their deliberate, short-passing game.

In the Friendship Trophy final against North Village, another team that utilises the possession style, Colts were at odds to cover the space on the pitch and consequently were beaten.

Also the memory of a 5-1 thrashing should provide ideal motivation for Boulevard to set the record straight with a win.

GOAL A ROUND -- Boulevard's attacking midfielder Carlos Pearman will be looking to maintain his scoring record in tomorrow's final against Devonshire Colts. BOULEVARD Kenneth Darrell Dwight Warren Mitchell Steede Wayne Richardson Dean Boyles Leroy Stevens Carlos Pearman Vernon Eve Kevin Smith Brian Anderson Vernon Symonds Amon Brown Kenny Hill Danny Rogers Maurice Smith Johnny Boyles DEV. COLTS Craig Smith Keishon Smith Ellington Weldon Andre Hendrickson Mark Ray Dennis Williams Anthony Wilson Chris Wright Leonard Hypolite Harrison Trott Derek Wright Keenan Burchall Jahmal Samuels Jermel Belboda Antoine Lightbourne Quincey Aberdeen.