Beleaguered boss Kyle Lightbourne believes Bermuda Hogges will not have a better opportunity of reversing their seven-game win-less streak than tonight’s basement battle against Wilmington Hammerheads.

And while Lightbourne admits the winless streak has become a mental problem for his inexperienced young team, he is confident they can overcome the psychological barrier tonight.

The Wilmington Hammerheads lie just two places above basement dwellers Hogges and are also unfamiliar to the taste victory having won only once this season.

They played out a 1-1 draw against fellow strugglers New Hampshire Phantoms on Friday, and Lightbourne has described the fixture as “massive” — viewing it as a potential launching pad for his team to build from.

“Our losing streak probably has become a bit of a mental problem for the coaches and players and the only way we can overcome that is by winning,” he said.

“We have played well enough in some of our games but so far it just hasn’t happened for us. I know from my past experience as a player that losing becomes a habit and can be very hard to break.

“Sometimes you feel you just can’t buy yourself a win and then it can become psychological. But we must stick together, stay strong and work even harder — that’s all you can do.

“Myself, Shaun (Goater) and Paul (Scope) do not enjoy losing and are not used to it and hopefully we can end this run tonight.

“We must stop the rot and we have a good opportunity as we play against a team who have also struggled at times this season. “So tonight is massive and we are looking forward to it.”

The Hogges returned from the United States yesterday downbeat after losing against Crystal Palace Baltimore and high-flying Richmond Kickers. And while Lightbourne accepts the latter outclassed his side he expressed disappointment that the Hogges returned empty-handed from the trip.

“Two games in two days was always going to be a tough test for us,” he said.

“I have to say it was a disappointing weekend as we came home without a point.

“For me the biggest disappointment was our failure to pick up anything against Crystal Palace Baltimore as they were a team I felt we were capable of beating.

“At half-time we had probably edged it but we conceded at the worst possible time after half-time — we basically switched off.

“We had a good chance to get our first victory but we didn’t take it and we must not repeat that mistake against Hammerheads.”

So far the Hogges’ inaugural season has ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous with new USL franchise often being the protagonists of their own downfall.

But the former Coventry City marksman is keen to stress there were positives to take from the season so far.

“There have been some excellent individual displays but we haven’t really been able to put in a complete 90-minute performance — maybe that will change tonight.”

The Hogges will be without Jelani Scott who picked up a groin strain against Richmond Kickers on Sunday, while Daruis Cox will have a late fitness test for a foot injury.