FA Cup final spots up for grabs
The stakes will be high for PHC Zebras and Devonshire Colts when they cross swords for the second time in six days in the FA Cup semi-final at Bernard Park tonight (8pm).
Both teams will put aside their goalless draw in the Premier Division at Police Field last time out that put a dent in their title hopes as they shift their focus on reaching the final of Bermuda Football Association’s flagship competition.
Zebras, who share the record for the most wins (11) in the competition with holders North Village, are seeking their first final appearance in three seasons. While Colts made the final in the 2006-07 campaign, beating Boulevard 2-0 to lift the coveted trophy for the fifth time.
Colts coach Ray Jones predicts an even tougher outing against Zebras after both teams relinquished precious ground in the title race.
“I expect a tougher game as it's both of us last realistic chance of silverware,” he told The Royal Gazette.
“This will be our second semi-final this season so we are hoping to go one step further and make it to our first major final in many years.
“PHC have the cup pedigree so we know it's a tough task.”
Jones could potentially tweak his squad due to niggling injuries.
“We have a few injuries to assess so there could be a change or two to the line- up,” he said.
Also scheduled for today is a league double header at Police Field.
Relegation threatened Boulevard will face X-Roads Warriors in the Premier Division (2pm), with that match to be preceded by the First Division contest between bottom side Vasco da Gama and Shield holders Somerset Eagles (noon).
FA Cup semi-final action continues tomorrow with holders Village and St George’s Colts doing battle against each other for the second time in eight days at PHC Field (2.30pm) in a repeat of the 2023-24 final, which the latter won 4-0 to claim their maiden title.
St George’s hold a psychological edge heading into the cup tie having come from two goals down to beat Village on their own patch at Wellington Oval last time out.
Very little separated the teams in the previous clash between them and Village coach Cal “Patches” Dill predicts that tomorrow’s cup tie will be just as tight.
“St George’s have some very talented players so I do think the game will be evenly fought,” he said.
Dill will shuffle his squad as some players that were missing last weekend have returned to the fold.
“We will be making some changes from last weekend’s team,” he said. “We had a few players off island and some working.”
Despite getting the better of their opponents last time out, St George’s coach Drewonde Bascome is taking nothing for granted.
“Village has a good side so it’s going to be a good match and we are not taking them lightly,” he said.
“Apparently they have five players coming in that they did not use last Sunday, so we will see how it goes.
“We are going to put our best foot forward and hopefully come out on top.
“Hopefully the St George’s community comes out to support us and we have a big following on that day and we get to the final.”
