Somerset Eagles, with new coach Albert Dowling at the helm, are enjoying a dream start to the season.

And with morale at the White Hill club sky high, the First Division promotion contenders are looking ahead with optimism to their next two matches - this Sunday's FA Cup second round derby against rivals Somerset Trojans, followed by a much-anticipated showdown with fellow undefeated frontrunners Boulevard on December 9.

Dowling, who has an abundance of young talent at his disposal, appears to have found an effective means of motivating his team and, if present form is any indication, their opposition will need to be well prepared.

"For starters, prayer is definitely assisting us - we have a prayer before each match and I believe this has contributed to our early success," said the coach.

"The team that I have available haven't played to their full potential as yet and many of our stalwarts are sidelined through injury.

"But with more enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to training, I feel that we can move on to greater things.

"The way we have been playing up to this stage has carried us through, but I know with the potential my players have, they can achieve even more."

The spirit in the camp was high and the momentum growing, added Dowling, a former Devonshire Colts striker.

"We have a good nucleus of senior players like Rodre Wilson, Lamaul Crofton, Stevie Burrows, Sean Dill and captain Musceo Hunt who represent the core of the team, and also Darron Dowling, who can attack as well as defend," the coach added.

Asked about his team's plans ahead of the FA Cup clash, Dowling said he hadn't seen much of Somerset this season and as such wouldn't be making any special preparations.

But for the all-important clash with Boulevard, Dowling admitted he needed to show caution.

"Boulevard have a strong, talented and organised team, we are wary of them," he said.

"It will be a battle that could go either way but we are optimistic and our chances are just as good as theirs."

Eagles, who haven't featured in the top division since the 1994-1995 season, remain undefeated so far this season.