has entered the final furlong with every team in the First Division having something to play for.

The match that will have a bearing on the championship will be played tomorrow at St. John's Field where leaders Dandy Town entertain second-placed Somerset.

But just as much interest is centred around the relegation issue where three teams are battling for survival.

Much will depend on whether bottom teams Devonshire Cougars and BAA are able to close the three points that separates them from third-from-bottom St.

George's.

Because, with just three games remaining time is running out on last season's two promoted teams. Seventh-placed PHC, not yet in the clear themselves, could move to virtual safety and all but doom BAA back to the Second Division when they make the trip to BAA Field to take on the Greens.

Four points separate the teams at present and a victory for the Zebras, combined with a lose or draw for Cougars at home to North Village, would make them safe and then leave them with a Martonmere Cup spot to play for in their last two matches.

Both them and BAA are without key players as BAA will be missing first choice goalkeeper Dwayne (Streaker) Adams who is on Pan Am Games duty in Argentina while PHC have defender Dano Outerbridge, midfielder Ottis Steede and winger Shawn Simons with the Bermuda Under-23 team.

One thing that both BAA and Cougars do not have is experience when it comes to fighting relegation, and much will depend on how they handle this weekend's pressure matches.

Cougars' gave themselves a tremendous morale booster last weekend when they beat St. George's to clinch a spot in the FA Cup final. And while there is a real chance that they can duplicate the achievement of Dandy Town and Vasco last season by reaching two April finals (they meet Somerset in the Friendship semi-final on Tuesday night at PHC Stadium), they would gladly trade in one of those finals for First Division safety.

There could be hope for either Cougars or BAA if they get at least a point as St. George's face one of the toughest teams in the division in Vasco who are now aiming for a top six finish now that they are clear of any threat of relegation.

St. George's have not had a good time against Vasco in their last few meetings. Their won their fixture at PHC Stadium last season before going down to them in the corresponding league fixture as well as both the FA Cup and Friendship Trophy. Earlier this season at Wellington Oval they also lost to Vasco so if there is one team with whom they have a score to settle this is the one.

If Cougars and BAA manage to pick up at least a point then the relegation issue might not be determined until the last weekend of the league season.

After tomorrow, Cougars are away to St. George's and Vasco in their last two matches while St. George's meet Devonshire Colts in their final match. BAA close out their season against title chasing Dandy Town and Boulevard.

A Somerset win over Town, or even a draw, would set the stage for an exciting finish to the season as the Trojans take on Boulevard and Village in their final two matches while Town end their season against PHC. Tomorrow's other match sees Devonshire Colts hosting Boulevard at Frog Lane. This could be the weekend that Colts officially kill the threat of relegation and they will be aiming, at least, to stay in the sixth place they presently occupy.

Boulevard, third, are just two points out of first place and are still very much in the championship race, depending on how the Town-Somerset match turns out.

In the Second Division, champions Southampton Rangers are at home to Wolves and should make it win number 14 from 15 matches while second-placed Eagles meet Port Royal at White Hill as they hope to stay in the promotion race.

The other two teams chasing promotion are St. David's, who have a bye, and Social Club who should be good for two points against bottom team Paget. In the other game Prospect meet Hamilton Parish.

In case of flooding at Elliott Field this morning, the Mini Minor quarter final matches will be switched to new venues. If the games are unable to be played, the Devonshire Colts-Hotels match will take place at Gym field at 12.30 while the Wolves Girls v St. George's Whites match will be held at Victor Scott field at 12.30. Call 291-0690 for a voice message.

DARRON SIMONS -- Key man as Town push for second straight title.