Kwame Steede, the Devonshire Cougars coach, insists his team are not the favourites heading into their Premier Division clash with hosts Somerset Trojans at Somerset Cricket Club on Friday.

Cougars have won two of the three previous meetings between the two sides this season, including a 4-1 extra time win in the FA Cup first round at Devonshire Recreation Club last weekend, but despite that record Steede does not believe his team hold any edge.

“I would not say that we are favourites,” he said. “We are going up Somerset so they have home-field advantage. It’s going to be a tough game and there are no favourites.”

Cougars thrashed Trojans 6-0 in the first league meeting between the two sides at home, with forward Elisha Darrell netting a hat-trick to lead the charge before Trojans avenged that thumping when beating Cougars 3-2 in the Dudley Eve Trophy final last November.

“Somerset have come a long way and Morty [coach Scott Morton] is going to put the work in so I don’t think it’s an easy task going up to Somerset,” Steede added.

The match is of vital importance to both teams with Cougars looking to remain in the title hunt and Trojans attempting to pull away from the relegation zone.

Steede’s charges are presently fourth, four points adrift of leaders PHC Zebras and Trojans eighth, three points above the relegation places.

“It’s important for both teams,” Steede said. “Somersetare trying to make sure they are not in a relegation battle and we are fighting to push for the league so both teams need points.”

Cougars’ title hopes suffered a setback courtesy of a 4-2 defeat away to PHC ;last time while Trojans were held to a 1-1 draw at home by bottom club Robin Hood.