Somerset Eagles have proven lightening does strike twice.

Exactly one year ago, Eagles outscored Boulevard from the penalty spot at the Den to clinch a first-ever appearance in a major domestic cup final, the Friendship Trophy.

On Tuesday night, at the very same venue, Eagles booked passage through to a second successive Friendship final on the plush 'carpet' by prevailing 2-1 over a ten-man Devonshire Cougars side, their maiden triumph over Cougars since gaining promotion in 2001-02.

Now destiny awaits an Eagles team again on the verge of savouring a major cup triumph. The West Enders were denied Friendship glory last season at the expense of Dandy Town, Eagles losing 3-2 during a highly entertaining final.

Eagles await the eventual winner of the second Friendship Trophy semi-final between North Village and Southampton Rangers ? slated for next Thursday night at the Den ? in the April 4 final at the National Sports Centre.

Having assured themselves of another shot at cup glory, Eagles now switch their attention back to league play, where, for the second year running, the club is struggling to avoid relegation.

Last season saw Eagles miraculously avoid the drop on the final day of the 2002-03 season.

For the time being, however, Eagles captain Musceo Hunt is relieved to see his team finally negotiate a major stumbling block in the form of the high-flying Cougars.

"That was a major hump we needed to get over," said Hunt. "Once you are able to beat a team like Cougars it gives you confidence within yourself to know that everyone is beatable. It's gives you confidence to know that if you can put your best foot forward and capitalise on your chances, you can come out on top.

"Everybody is excited to be going back to the carpet, especially having capitalised over top-ranked opponents such as Cougars. It just goes to show that we can play and on any given day rise to the occasion and beat the top teams."

As for his team's fortunes so far this season: "It has been an ongoing struggle," according to Hunt.

"We are just trying to take it one game at a time and keep our intensity and our motivation high. We always tend to start the season off slowly and pick things up a bit in the second-half," he added.

Eagles currently lie one spot off the bottom of the Premier Division on eight points but have a game in hand over last-placed Hamilton Parish and third from last Devonshire Colts.

As well as the game in hand with Town, the West Enders will meet Boulevard before taking on Parish in their final fixture of the season at Lord's on March 28.

Looking ahead to next month's cup final, Hunt said: "I think the players are geared for up to return to another final. It's our fourth consecutive year being up on the carpet and so it is all up to us to rise to that challenge and try to take another step forward. It is definitely time for us to get to the next level and win some silverware."

During the course of the season Eagles acquired the invaluable services of former Town player/coach, Danny Seymour ? who judging by his infamous random vociferous outbursts from beyond the sidelines ? hasn't missed a beat since returning from exile.

"Seymour has come on board as a motivator to try and encourage players and help out in training sessions," explained Hunt.

"He is just trying to encourage guys to take advantage of the potential they have and opportunities that are at hand. Seymour is here to lend his experience and expert advice to show players what they need to do in order to lift their game."

Advice which so far appears to be paying off.