Kyle Lightbourne wants PHC to set the record straight in the Martonmere Cup after a string of key absentees robbed them a chance of winning last season's first major competition.

A weakened PHC, plagued by injuries and stream of suspensions, fell at the final hurdle to hand the trophy to Devonshire Cougars. It is a defeat that still rankles with Lightbourne nearly 12 months on.

PHC will again be underdogs in today's Martonmere Cup clash with perennial contenders North Village, but at least Lightbourne has a stronger squad at his disposal.

"In last year's final we probably only had four regulars available, that was really disappointing," he said.

"We either had players injured or suspended and maybe things would have been different had I been able to field my strongest team.

"North Village are favourites, they finished above us but we've a few old players back and our squad is definitely stronger.

"The Premier Division is going to be even better with Devonshire Colts and Island Rangers coming up last season. I don't think they'll be pushovers at all.

"Over the years PHC has always been a club competing for trophies, but in the last decade we've dropped off the pace.

"Some people may be tipping us to slip up and we must guard against that – I'm looking to finish in the top three."

Despite his 38 years Lightbourne already is in possession of an extensive coaching CV as a former national team boss, current Bermuda Hogges' supremo, as well as his role with PHC.

But he thinks his commitments with Bermuda impacted upon PHC's pre-season preparations last term, and may have contributed in their failure to push for more honours.

"I feel our pre-season has been more organised because last year I was coaching the national term and was in and out of the Island in the lead up to the season," said Lightbourne.

"It took until January before I had an assistant coach so our preparations weren't ideal. But now Jack Castle and myself have had the team together from the first day of pre-season.

"We've had three practice matches which we won, but nothing to shout about. The real test starts today."

Having worked at most steps of the football ladder Lightbourne believes he has become a more polished coach, although still gets frustrated with certain aspects of the amateur level.

"I feel I'm getting to know the mentality of Bermudian players better," he added. "I spent some time coaching with Coventry City where I worked with their under-17 players.

"I was doing my coaching badge back then and it's very different to working in Bermuda. In professional football you know how many numbers you will have at each session. At amateur level the difficult part is when someone calls you to say they can't make training.

"Sometimes you have a session for 20 guys and 30 guys show up or vice-versa. I don't like that side of it, it can be frustrating, but there's nothing you can do about it."

PHC take on North Village at 7 p.m., while Cougars face Somerset Trojans at 9 p.m. Both Martonmere Cup fixtures are at BAA Field.