Union striker Dennis Russell insists that the panic button doesn't need to be pushed after the defending Island Soccer League (ISL) champions, let a 6-3 lead slip in their 9-8 opening day loss to the Kings.

Although Russell, who was last year's leading goal-scorer, grabbed a brace, he couldn't save the side from suffering defeat in their first game.

"We have it under control," said Russell. "We are still working out the the little issues but we know what is going on and are ready to get our first win and defend our cup.

"This will be a test of our character and we want to let the other teams know that we are the champions and we want to be the first team to defend the title.

"We can only afford one loss to win our group so this weekend is big for us.

"But we won't hit the panic button yet, not after one game."

The champions now have to regroup quickly if they are to battle for top honours in the Red League with two matches in three days set to highlight this weekend's play.

First up tonight will be Arsenal who are fresh off their 6-2 pounding of the Royal last week, courtesy of a Fabian Frankson hat-trick.

Following up the showdown with Arsenal will be the clash between their long-time rivals, the Royal, who have beaten them over the last two years.

Regardless of the setback, Russell is confident that the weekend will be kind to his side and believes they will be still be the team to beat come season's end.

"It is important to get two wins if we can this weekend because we need to get off the mark in the win column as well as build some confidence.

"We have had a complete team in past years and lost to the Royal in the last two years, which was our only loss in the groups both times, but the difference is last year we overcame the loss and won.

"This year is no different, we know that we are going to have to be the ones to make a statement.

"If we do what we need to do, we will be ok. We have a better team than last year but so have the other teams.

"We were up 6-3 (against Kings) before they made their run and we can only blame ourselves on that, but we are ok and will be fine going forward."

Tonight's other match will see the Kings look to remain unbeaten when they clash with the Royal.

The first match kicks off at 7.30 p.m. with the second match slated to start at 8.45 pm.

Tonight's matches

Arsenal v Union, 7.30 pm

Kings v Royal, 8.45 pm

Tomorrow's matches

Knights v Storm, 7.3 0pm

Apex vs Titans, 8.45 pm

Sunday's matches

Union v Royal, 5 pm

Kings v Arsenal, 7 pm