come soon enough.

Battered, bruised and severely depleted by injuries and the loss of key members to the Under-23 tour of Jamaica, the North Shore club haven't enjoyed the best of fortunes recently.

Two losses in consecutive weeks against Devonshire Cougars and Devonshire Colts have shattered their confidence.

But tomorrow they get chance to restore some pride when the step out in the first round of the FA Cup as heavy favourites to defeat Island Rangers at Somerset.

Rangers, too, enter the tie in the throes of their worst stretch, having surrendered the leadership in the Commercial Division Group A to BAA Wanderers after two disappointing matches.

Village coach Robert Calderon is fully aware of the need for his side to get a good result, even if it is against second rate opposition. And he isn't taking anything for granted.

"For us to avoid being overconfident we need to just look at our (recent) record,'' said Calderon. "We're aware that anything can happen in the FA Cup.

"We're not discounting them at all, they have a few players that have First Division experience, guys like Troy Berkeley and (Michael) Bremar.

"Mind you, we like to think that we still have enough players to beat them, but by no means are we about to discount or disregard them.'' Soon expected to arrive to bolster the line-up is squad member Nakia Smith, while college student Maceo Dill is another likely addition in waiting.

In one of two all First Division encounters Boulevard face Dandy Town in the day's top match at St. David's (2.30 p.m.), the teams having already met each other twice so far this season.

Town have got the better of the series, having beaten the Blazers during the Martonmere Cup competition and drawing in league play.

The Blazers had hoped to welcome back Donnie Charles to the heart of the defence although yesterday's arrests in Miami will likely prevent his return, while Town coach Mark Trott should resume his role pacing the side-lines directing the Hornets.

PHC and BAA tussle in the other top flight affair at PHC Stadium. The Zebras booted the Green Knights 3-1 the last time the pair met back on November 27.

Remaining matches have St. David's at home to Vasco (12.30 p.m.), Somerset at home to Prospect (2.30 p.m.), Devonshire Cougars hosting Social Club (2.30 p.m.), Robin Hood travelling to face St. George's at Wellington Oval (2.30 p.m.) and Forties entertaining Devonshire Colts at White Hill Field (2.30 p.m.).