FEW, but the most blindly partisan east ender, would have predicted that St. George's All-Stars would be the Commercial League's only surviving team by the second round of the FA Cup.

And even fewer will fancy the All-Stars' chances as they take on Premier side PHC on Sunday at Wellington Oval.

Currently lying bottom of the Commercial A with just one win under their belts ? the 2-0 defeat of fellow strugglers Valley ? the All-Stars at least have home advantage.

But even this is a double-edged sword as the large Wellington Oval surface will provide more space for the fitter, younger PHC side to exploit, admits All-Stars founding member and secretary Stephen Paynter.

Meanwhile his side boasts the likes of former Social Club and St. George's Colts striker Cal Raynor who despite being in his mid-50s is still playing ? and more importantly scoring.

Ironically Rayner got a brace against PHC's Commercial side, PHC Raiders on Saturday, in a 4-4 draw although Paynter he doesn't expect to come across any of the same faces when his side take on the Zebras' senior side.

"Cal played the whole 90 minutes and comes out fairly regularly ? he might have a surprise start or at least play a part on Sunday," said Paynter.

But the spirit of that 4-4 encounter is something he will want to see again on Sunday.

"We came from behind the whole game ? we have a never-say-die attitude. Win, lose or draw there is a lot of camaraderie in this squad."

There are doubts over Lionel Cann whose lethal pace and finishing ability has seldom been seen this season as he concentrates on national cricket duties as Bermuda prepare for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

Last year he grabbed 66 goals as the All-Stars raced to promotion after benefiting from extra cricket training which has got him super fit. But this year the cricket has ended up limiting him to a handful of football appearances.

And his deep-lying strike partner Herbie Bascome has seldom been seen as St. George's have been forced to use squad rotation policy due to the lack of regular players.

"We practically have a different team every week," said Paynter.

But slowly form has been improving, although the east enders ? traditionally one of the up and down teams of Commercial football ? will need to start converting draws into wins to stave off the drop.

This season marks a huge contrast from last season when the All-Stars were unbeaten in the Commercial B as they amassed 124 goals in just 22 games in their promotion drive.

But typically they have struggled in the higher division and their cup run has been rather fortunate, getting a bye in the first round and then drawing Commercial League team Lobster Pot whom the All-Stars beat 3-2.

But Premiership side PHC, who will be itching for a cup run as they stand little chance of winning a title or getting relegated, are another matter.

Weighing up his Commercial team's chances, Paynter, who helped form the side in 1982, said: "It's a spacious field but it might be in PHC's favour when our legs get tired. We obviously won't match them on fitness."

But he said there could be a factor in the underdogs' favour.

"We find when we play Premiership teams or those from a higher division there tends to be some complacency on the part of the superior team."

When the team fails to mass a hatful of goals in the opening period frustrated teammates can turn on each other or get selfish, he explained.

The appearance and form of Cann will be crucial said Paynter. "He's probably the fittest member of our team. He's a great miss when he's not playing."

Perhaps the form of the defenders will be more crucial if the All-Stars gamble on a stalemate punctuated by one breakaway goal.

Paynter said he hoped defender Shay Pitcher experience will help keep PHC at bay.

Hoping for an upset Paynter said: "Realistically we will be happy to keep the score low."

***

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