NORTH Village Rams have quickly discovered life at the top is not all it's cracked up to be.

Following successive league championships in 2001-02 and 2002-03, Rams' bid for a three-peat of titles suffered another setback last Sunday when Devonshire Colts handed them a 1-0 defeat ? their second such loss on home turf and third overall this season.

Rams presently occupy fourth position in the standings but trail unbeaten league leaders Dandy Town by seven points with only two matches remaining in the first-half of the season.

Village take on Premier Division newcomers Hamilton Parish at Lord's on Sunday and Southampton Rangers at Bernard Park on December 14.

Rams began their season on solid footing, going undefeated in their first five matches and defending their Charity Cup title in the process.

That impressive win streak, however, came to sudden halt on October 19 when a ten-men Devonshire Cougars side handed the champions a 1-0 home loss.

But Rams quickly picked up the pieces and avenged that defeat when it mattered most, getting by Cougars en route to capturing a seventh Martonmere Cup title during last month's Remembrance Day final at the National Sports Centre.

Village, however, seem to have left their magical touch up on the carpet, as a sudden dip in form has seen them suffer back-to-back losses against Town and Colts and lose considerable ground in the race for another league championship. Yet, despite his team's current slump, Rams' coach Scott Morton isn't prepared to throw in the towel.

"It's still possible. It's just that we can't afford to lose any more matches," he said, optimistically.

"I'm not too worried because the second half of the season is going to be critical as far as players staying focussed. Normally players in Bermuda encounter difficulty remaining focussed, especially when they are on top."

Injuries to several key players, he said, certainly hasn't helped his team' s cause.

"We're looking forward to those players returning soon. But we have a deep squad and on any given day anybody who plays is just as capable as anyone else," he said.

"Football is a sport, whereas, on any given day you can lose a match. But as long as you come prepared and do what you can, then that's all you can ask for."

Home losses against Cougars and more recently to Colts have also sounded alarm bells at Bernard Park.

"One thing that I stress is that playing at home in front of your own fans should always be in your favour. But at the end of the day whether you lose at home or away a loss is a loss, and you try to avoid them," he said.

"But it's very important that we win both of our remaining matches if we are to stay in contention for the league. That will be our main focus, winning those matches at any cost but at the same time remaining focussed on what we have to do as a team."

Meanwhile, in other Premier Division match-ups on Sunday, league leaders Town tackle second placed Cougars in the day's top match at St.John's Field.

Hornets presently hold a three-point lead over Cougars and a win on Sunday would afford the St.John's Road club a bit more breathing space at the summit, not to mention a huge psychological boost heading into the second-half of the season.

Cougars, conversely, will be seeking to regain momentum after suffering a first league loss of the season to Boulevard during their previous outing.

At White Hill Field, rejuvenated Colts go in search of a third straight win against Boulevard. Only two points currently separates these two clubs that are both coming off inspiring wins last weekend.

With a win, Colts could find themselves back into the fore while a Blazers' win would elevate the urban club out of the cellar.

Elsewhere, Somerset Eagles will be looking to make easy prey out of bottom team Southampton Rangers at Southampton Oval.

Luck hasn't been with Rangers so far this season as the south shore club have been able to match their opponents, only to lose by the odd goal on several occasions.

Eagles, on the other hand, seem to have finally sorted matters out after suffering a humiliating 5-0 Martonmere Cup semi-final loss to Village last month.

Gary (Tuba) Mallory's chargers are gunning for a second straight and third league win this season.

In First Division action, Prospect take on St.David's at Police Field while promotion favourites Somerset Trojans host Ireland Rangers in an all-west end affair at Somerset Cricket Club.