Dandy Town will shift their focus back to the title race after retaining the Friendship Trophy with victory over North Village on New Year’s Day.

The Premier Division leaders host Young Men’s Social Club today at White Hill Field (3pm).

Hornets edged Bluebirds 2-1 in their first league encounter in September and team coach Jarreau Hayward is bracing himself for another tough outing against their Pembroke rivals.

“Social Club presents another unique challenge,” Hayward told The Royal Gazette.

“They have quality through their spine and their play is not reflected in the standings. Maybe they've been a bit unlucky not to have more points.

“They were a huge challenge and one of our harder games in the first half so we will have to be at our best.

“We accept the challenge and we will be ready. It should be a good game up White Hill.”

Hornets are playing their third game in seven days and are riding high having retained the Friendship Trophy courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Rams, with former Bluebird striker David Jones Jr scoring the only goal of the game.

Hornets have had very little time to recover but Hayward is not worried given the depth of his roster.

“Fatigue isn't a concern as we have a deep team,” Hayward told The Royal Gazette.

“We had quality on the bench for the final; some played limited minutes and some didn't play at all.

“Additionally, we had quality in different positions that didn't even make the 20 for the final so we will be fine.

“That's why you have a squad; for internal competition, but also necessary rotation without a drop in standards and quality.

“We had a recovery session where we assessed the playing staff and there will definitely be changes to the 11 and the 18.”

Hornets top the standings by a point over PHC Zebras and Devonshire Colts, who have a game in hand over the teams above them.

Winless Bluebirds are second from bottom and in desperate need of points to steer clear of the relegation zone.

Premier Division action continues tomorrow with four matches.

Zebras are away to Dudley Eve champions St George’s Colts at Wellington Oval. St George’s dominated the first league encounter at PHC Field but were left to rue squandered chances as the home side prevailed 1-0.

St George’s sit one point above the relegation zone and need a win if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

Elsewhere, Colts will host champions Village at Police Field in what will be the second meeting between the teams in a week having lost 1-0 in the Friendship Trophy.

Both teams will be keen to get back to winning ways and keep pace with Hornets in what promises to be another close title race.

After making a slow start to their title defence, Village managed to make up considerable ground to end of the first half of the campaign trailing the leaders by three points.

Mid-table Devonshire Cougars will also be looking to keep their title hopes alive when they take on winless bottom side Boulevard at Devonshire Recreation Club.

The remaining match will pit hosts X-Roads Warriors against Paget Lions at Lord’s, St David’s.

After a fine start in their return to the Premier Division, which included three wins and a draw in their opening four fixtures, previous leaders X-Roads have unravelled.

Farid El Karfa’s team are level on points with Cougars and cannot afford any further slip-ups if they are to contest for the title.

Paget will be hoping to capitalise on their opponent’s recent dip in form as they attempt to galvanise their own campaign and more importantly distance themselves from the relegation zone heading into the business end of the season.