Bermuda Hogges face their stiffest test of the young season at the National Sports Centre today when they host second place Crystal Palace Baltimore.

Baltimore, who beat the Hogges three times last season, have started the season in blazing form having won all three of their matches so far, without conceding a goal.

And while the Hogges are finding consistency, coach Kyle Lightbourne knows they are in for a stern test.

"Last season two games were decided by the odd goal, and the third we lost 8-1, so we feel we owe then something in a sense.

"We haven't had a result against them as of yet, but they definitely will be one of the teams to beat.

"It will be difficult as they run their whole set up as close to an English team as you can get.

"They have a few very good players on their side, so it will be interesting."

Lightbourne believes the match will represent a good measuring stick of the Hogges' progress since last season.

"This game will definitely test us and see how far we have come mentally. So we are hoping this will be a good indication on how far the players have come."

The leaky defence of last season has been locked tight since the arrival of North Village defender Kofi Dill, with the Hogges conceding only one goal in their last two outings.

Both Dill and Omar Shakir seem to have established a unyielding partnership.

And if this is a sign of things to come, Lightbourne will be pleased with the progression of his side.

"Kofi has come in and done a wonderful job so far. Hopefully it will continue as we have changed a few things and a few players have left and new faces have come in.

"We are looking for consistency as we play and we have benefited from this thus far."

Having had two players in the last two USL-D2 team of the week, the Hogges seem to be hitting their stride at the right time.

"This is a good sign of things to come as the players are showing they can be consistent.

"This is something for them to strive towards and i know that their hard work will be rewarded in some way shape or form.

"We dealt with the conditions quite well last weekend against Pittsburgh considering it was raining quite hard along with the lightning.

"We approached the game in the right manner, and we must do the same against Palace."

Bermuda Hogges take onCrystal Palace Baltimore at the NSC 7 p.m.