Young Men’s Social Club coach Michael Smith is seeking to put his team’s Premier Division struggles behind him when they clash with Devonshire Cougars in the Friendship Trophy quarter-finals at Devonshire Rec on Friday night (9pm).

Social Club, despite having Bermuda forward Zeiko Lewis in their ranks, have endured a tough start to the season, drawing four and losing five of their nine matches, leaving them second from bottom.

Smith feels Social Club’s league position does not accurately reflect their performances and believes his side has what it takes to reach the semi-finals.

“I personally feel that we’ve been unlucky on quite a few occasions, so we’re definitely looking to gain some momentum going into the second half of the season,” Smith told The Royal Gazette.

“Every game is important for us and a chance to improve and get better as a team. I feel like anyone can beat anyone on the day in the Premier Division at the moment and no team is way above anyone else.

“If you don't come mentally prepared, organised and disciplined, anyone can get beat on the day. We’ve played Cougars already twice this season and we don’t think they’re going to bring anything new. So, we’re looking to step up to the challenge.”

Social Club are struggling for goalkeepers with forward Clay Darrell forced to play in goal in the 4-3 loss to Devonshire Colts at Police Field last Sunday.

“Both of the keepers are injured at the moment,” Smith said. “One has a leg injury and one messed up his hand, which is why Clay Darrell was in goal last week.

“We’re trying to get Reid Trott back as quickly as possible because Ryan Evans will be out for a while, but we don’t want to rush him back because we need him for the entire second half of the season.

“We are also missing the Hardtman brothers, Josh and Mical, who are away for Christmas, so we’ll be definitely making some changes against Cougars.

Mark Mills, the Cougars coach, has been left frustrated by the lack of consistency from his side. Speaking after the 2-2 draw with X-Roads on Sunday, the second consecutive draw for his side, Mills expressed his desire to create some cohesion among his players.

“Consistency gets built on the training pitch,” Mills said.

“I’m pretty sure every coach in Bermuda has a problem with consistency on the training pitch. We are trying our best but that can only be achieved if we have good numbers at our training sessions.”

Cougars, who last won the Friendship in 2022, have to do without centre forward Chae Brangman. Back and in contention for selection is Jecoa Thomas, who makes a return after serving a suspension for being sent off against St George’s Colts.

Before that game Somerset Trojans face St David’s in a First Division Shield quarter-final scheduled for the same venue at 7pm, .

Danvers Seymour Jr, the Trojans coach, predicted an exciting fixture against what he describes as a disciplined opponent.

“As a team we strive to improve game by game and that’s the main goal,” he said.

“We would like to remain active over the Christmas break. St David’s are very organised and have good players, so it should be a good match.”