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Trojans in trouble again over illegal player

Somerset Trojans now face having additional disciplinary sanctions imposed upon them by Bermuda Football Association (BFA) for fielding an ineligible player during a Premier Division contest only months after being booted from the FA Cup for committing the same offence.

Last week The Royal Gazette revealed that Trojans had forfeited a 3-0 home win over Dandy Town on the final day of the 2007-08 league schedule after it was discovered veteran striker Dwight Basden played in the match while under suspension.

Basden had accumulated three-yellow cards, which should have resulted in an automatic one-game ban, but was still allowed to play and scored Trojans' second goal against Hornets.

It is now understood the West Enders' latest transgressions could result in them being summoned before a BFA disciplinary committee to face the music for the second time this season.

Back in November Trojans beat Commercial rivals Key West Rangers 2-0 in the FA Cup but were later forced to forfeit the match for having fielded an ineligible player in club president Richard Scott.

Only last season Somerset soared to great heights by winning the Friendship Trophy and Dudley Eve Cup. However, instead of building upon last year's achievements Trojans' fortunes have taken a disastrous turn for the worst with the once proud club being relegated to the First Division.

Boulevard boss John Rebello believes his team's season will be a success regardless of the outcome of their FA Cup replay against Dandy Town.

Blazers, who last year's runner up in the competition, take on Hornets tomorrow night at Somerset Cricket Club at 8 p.m. after Sunday's semi-final ended 0-0 after extra-time.

The winner of the tie will go to the National Sports Centre (NSC) to face Premier Division champions PHC Zebras, who knocked out First Division side Wolves at the weekend.

"At the beginning of the season we set ourselves one goal and that was to not get relegated," said Rebello, whose side squandered several chances to settle to tie.

"This has not been an ordinary season for us as we had issues such as our skipper dying (Shaki Crockwell), and no pre-season so we are happy to be where we are right now.

"But revenge (for last season's defeat against Devonnshire Colts) is not on our minds right now. We are going to play for our fans that come out and cheer us on.

"Both teams could have won the match on Sunday, but we live to fight another day."

Rebello reckons his players must work as a unit if they are to reach their second successive FA Cup final. They lost to Devonshire Colts, then in the First Division, 2-0.

"We have to be tight and mentally tough in defense," he said. "Our players must move together as a unit, and there will be a few tired players who have knocks on both teams, but you have to work hard and in the end you will get your just reward.

"If we make the finals it will be a plus for us as we didn't put that into our objectives for the season. But before that we must put our best foot forward tomorrow night and take our chances, whether it takes 90 minutes or 120 minutes."

Zebras, who play North Village on Sunday in the Friendship final, will not be at an advantage over fitness should they meet Blazers in the final, said Rebello.

"We played on Sunday and again tomorrow, but if you look at it PHC have played on Sunday past, they will play this coming Sunday as well as the final in a week's time.

"So it is to no one's advantage, it is all about who shows up and plays better ball on that day."