Although it wasn’t pretty, Somerset Trojans’ camp feel that Tuesday night’s FA Cup quarter-final 1-0 away victory over Devonshire Cougars at The Den could be the spark needed to rejuvenate them and turn a so-so season to date into a more prosperous campaign for the Westenders.

Since capturing the Dudley Eve trophy the team has not performed anywhere near it’s potential, but the season still promises to be one of prosperity for Dennis Brown’s squad as they remain in line to capture a coveted Triple Crown title — the Dudley Eve, Friendship Trophy and FA Cup.

“If we get two or even three tittles we would consider the season a success, one that we certainly would be able to build on,” said assistant coach Paul Scope yesterday after reflecting on Tuesday’s triumph over Cougars.

A large crowd saw the Trojans defy the odds and stun their opponents thanks to an early goal by defender Marco Butterfield in a game that saw both teams struggle to take any real initiative at any time.

There certainly wasn’t the same entertainment that fans witnessed during Sunday’s match-up at Somerset which ended in a 3-3 draw after extra time.

“It wasn’t any better or worse than any Premier Division football game here,” Scope said. “Sunday’s play was more exciting with six goals and this one was more dour because we went ahead early and defended very well. But basically we did what we needed to do while play wasn’t pretty.

“We had a few chances, we were one on one with the keeper at least three times after that and it could have been more emphatic but then again Cougars had a few chances too but instead of their chances going in like Sunday they didn’t, both goakeepers though made good saves.”

Scope felt that the Westenders scored a “rather lucky goal” but felt that the go-ahead and eventual winning strike was a reward for the tempo that the Trojans had set right from the first whistle when they forced two corners before scoring, one of the early chances forcing a good save from a Sean Simmons shot destined for the corner.

He also felt that the victory was something that was well deserved for the tremendous “intensity” that they came out with after the disappointment of giving away the lead on Sunday.

“The players demonstrated a lot of character and we are pleased to be in the draw with the teams that are left,” Scope said.

“It would have been easy for the players to have the attitude that we have blown our chance after giving away a 2-0 lead with 10 minutes left and blown another 3-2 lead in extra time on Sunday. I was pleased with their response right from the get-go when they showed no fear.

“It was an evenly balance game but we were slightly the better side and deserved to go through. We have had some very close encounters with Cougars all season but I think we have slightly had the better of them in most games and since they are the Premier Division champions of Bermuda we are pleased to have matched up well against them.

“Now what we have got to do is follow through against the so-called easier teams, which have been our nemesis the last couple of years.”

Brown’s entire coaching staff are confident about their prospects of capturing the two remaining titles even though they face a formidable task against Cougars in the Friendship final on April 1. This is the fourth year since he has returned to revive the Westenders and under Brown’s guidance they have made steady strides.

“There surely has been a steady progression with Dennis returning,” Scope said. “They got promoted back to the Premier Division the first year, consolidated the second, finished second in the table the third and so far we’ve won one trophy this season and we’re in the running for two more.

“Next year we’ve got to be looking at the big prize which is the league title. We’ve certainly got the players and the ability to do it as we have shown in the series against Cougars all season.”