Table-toppers Dandy Town will be without talisman Damon Ming when they face a rejuvenated Somerset Trojans at Somerset Cricket Club tomorrow night.

Despite turning 35 yesterday, Ming, who will be off the Island celebrating his birthday, is enjoying a renaissance at St John’s Field this season and showing no signs of father time catching up with him.

The diminutive winger delivered another sprightly performance in Hornets’ 5-2 victory at Wolves last weekend, scoring his side’s second with a fine virtuoso strike with his weaker left foot.

His absence will be a concern for coach Jomar Wilkinson whose side haven’t looked wholly convincing so far this term, despite what their league position may suggest.

Ming, however, believes his team-mates are more than capable of coping without him and backed his replacement, whoever that may be, to step smoothly into the breach.

“In my absence there are other players who will be hoping to be given a chance and I’m sure whoever comes in will do a good job for us.” said Ming. “It’s important to remember that football is a team sport, not an individual one, and we’ll be looking for all the players in our squad to contribute this season.”

Hornets’ opponents Trojans have recovered from their crushing opening day defeat against Hamilton Parish to record back-to-back league victories over Wolves and defending champions Devonshire Cougars.

And Ming has warned his team-mates that Trojans will be no pushovers, especially in their own backyard, and confident of claiming another prized scalp against title contenders Town.

“Somerset Cricket Club is never an easy place to go and get a victory,” said the Bermuda international. “Trojans are coming into a good bit of form and it should be an exciting clash against two good teams.

“They have shown some real signs of improvement in recent weeks but hopefully we should be able to get the job done.”

Hornets’ win over Wolves saw them take full advantage of slip ups by title rivals Cougars and North Village, who both dropped points last weekend.

Ming has urged his team-mates to make sure they don’t return the favour by failing to pick up maximum points at Trojans.

“We will be looking to continue our decent run and pick up another win against Trojans,” he said. “It was a good performance for us against Wolves, although we’re still not taking advantage of the chances we’re creating.

“That win put us top of the table and hopefully we can try and stay there, starting with a win at Somerset.”

Tomorrow night’s game kicks off at 9pm.