PHC striker Antwan Russell has called on his team-mates to use their Dudley Eve game against Boulevard at BAA Field tomorrow as a dress rehearsal for their opening day league encounter with newly promoted St. George's next weekend.

Russell, who is expected back in November as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury he sustained in last year's FA Cup final, returned to his boyhood club this summer and is expecting the team to get off to a flying start in his absence.

"The game is important in terms of your preparations for the league, especially the first Dudley Eve match because you want to make the most of the games you play and iron out any wrinkles.

"This will be a big step for us. Playing Boulevard will give us an indication of how far along we have come and help us prepare for our first league game.

"Boulevard always have a good squad and to play them will give us a little insight on what to expect in the season.

"It will be a good test for us."

While admitting the league is always the main focal point of teams at the beginning of the season, the Bermuda international said he expected to win every game, noting that a Dudley Eve triumph would send out a warning to all of their rivals that they are ready to compete for all of the trophies available.

"Every game a team plays they want to win so we will take this mindset with us and look to make a run in the competition. It is the first of the season. You want to get something under your belt before the FA and other big competitions.

"The bigger picture is the league for all teams. This will serve as a warning, to let the other teams know that you're ready to play and be in contention when the league hits the final stretch.

"We play St. George's next week in our opener and, no disrespect to them, but we should take six points from them this season.

Preceding the Dudley Eve match will be the Charity Cup clash between league champions Dandy Town and FA Cup champions Devonshire Cougars, kicking off ator 1 p.m.

The game between PHC and Boulevard will start at 3 p.m.