viewed as a glamour match, but more a war of attrition featuring two of the Island's more physical outfits.

Rugged and hard-nosed -- perhaps even brutal -- could be properly used to describe either of the combatants, whose methods may not be for the faint of heart.

Vasco, although low in the Coca-Cola First Division standings, are currently enjoying a mini-resurgence having won two games in a row, beating Devonshire Colts and North Village.

St. George's, meanwhile, have established themselves a strong force, utilising a strong work ethic to allay any shortcomings in the skill department.

They are also seeking their first trip to an FA Cup final, with the semifinals the deepest point reached thus far.

Meanwhile, Vasco have made it to the final four times, having been crowned champions in 1981 and 1982, and just missing out on the `trifecta' in 1983 when they were the losing finalists to North Village. They also lost to Village in the 1986 final.

"We're riding a good wave right now, after the two wins the team morale is definitely up,'' said Vasco coach John Rebello, who will welcome back goalkeeper Keenan Tucker from army duty and looks to have key striker Ricky Mallory taking time off from his studies.

"What we have to do is go out and play the same attacking football. It's a thing where you don't get a second chance in this competition.'' For St. George's head man Greg Foggo, there is only one demand he plans to make on his charges, "to do their best''.

He also would not mind if his lethargic attack decided to join the fray and relieve an often overworked defence.

"It's obvious that we have to start hitting the goal more,'' said Foggo, whose men have scored more than one goal in a game on only two occasions this season, the latest being a 2-0 victory over PHC last Sunday.

"It's obvious that our defence has been solid as a rock. Last year that's what kept us in games and the same thing this year. But I think the strikers have started to come into their own lately.'' Rebello added that he had great respect for St. George's. However, it would certainly be no cakewalk for the home side.

Truly warranting the glamour tag is the match pitting North Village and Boulevard at St. David's with opportunities to gain or increase their tally of silverware rapidly diminishing.

Both enter Sunday's clash seeking to rebound from defeat, as Village left PHC Stadium on Tuesday with their tails between their legs following a 2-0 whipping by Vasco, while the Blazers were humbled at home 1-0 by Dandy Town.

In other fixtures, Town enter the Den as heavy favourites to get past Daihatsu Second Division leaders Devonshire Cougars, while fellow second stringers, Somerset Eagles, are overwhelming underdogs to Devonshire Colts, whom they face at Frog Lane field.

Two Crystal Palace matches are also scheduled (to precede the senior matches), as Somerset tackle Wolves at Devonshire Rec., and Devonshire Colts entertain PHC.

Tonight has a pair of Women's League fixtures on tap at Somerset Cricket Club.

Somerset Terminators host Dandy Stars in the curtain-raiser (7 p.m.), while Rude Girls and BAA (Telecom) meet in the nightcap (9 p.m.).

All Crystal Palace games start at 12.30 p.m., with the senior matches commencing at 2.30 p.m.

KEENAN TUCKER -- Welcomed back by Vasco.