X-Roads Warriors have been bolstered by the return of stalwart Donovan Thompson for their crucial Dudley Eve Trophy commitment against Devonshire Colts at Devonshire Recreation Club on Tuesday.

The experienced striker was off island during his team’s hard-fought 4-4 stalemate with St George’s in their opening group C match but has since rejoined them and is looking forward to making his first appearance of the season.

“It always feels great to be back on the pitch with the team,” Thompson told The Royal Gazette.

“I have been working hard and ready to give my best and help us get a positive result.”

X-Roads trail leaders St George’s by three points and must win the final group C match by two goals if they are to pip the former for the sole automatic semi-final spot up for grabs.

It is a task Thompson feels his team is very capable of.

“It’s very much achievable with this team if we stay tight in defence,” he said.

“We’ve got the talent, the spirit and the belief. Everyone in the squad is hungry to perform, and we’re confident we can rise to the challenge.

“They [Devonshire Colts] are a strong side with quality players and we respect them. But we’ve prepared well and, if we stick to our plan, we believe we can come out on top.”

The match is of equal importance for Colts, who also find themselves in a must-win situation if they are to keep their hopes of advancing to the final four alive having suffered a 2-1 loss to St George’s in their opening group match.

The stakes will also be high for Zebras and Young Men’s Social Club, who will do battle in the final group B contest also on tap at Devonshire Rec on Tuesday (9pm).

Zebras trail leaders Devonshire Cougars by three points and must beat Bluebirds by six clear goals if they are to overhaul Cougars at the summit and clinch the sole automatic semi-final spot available.

Like Colts, Bluebirds’ hopes of securing the sole automatic semi-final berth have already been dashed but they can still advance should they finish as the best runners-up among the three groups.

• Persistent rain yesterday forced the Bermuda Football Association to postpone the Dudley Eve Trophy matches scheduled for Devonshire Rec.

Dandy Town were due to take on Paget in the opening game at 7pm, with Boulevard facing North Village in the later match at 9pm.

Football’s governing body later came back to say the above matches will be held at Devonshire Recreation Club tomorrow at 6pm and 8pm respectively.

Revised schedule

Sunday: Dandy Town v Paget (6pm); Boulevard v North Village (8pm).

Tuesday: X-Roads v Devonshire Colts (7pm); Young Men’s Social Club v PHC (9pm).