Veteran striker Shaun Goater will lead the line tonight as the Hogges go hunting for their second successive victory — but coach Kyle Lightbourne has ruled himself out due to injury.

Bermuda Hogges face Cleveland City Stars looking to build on last week’s inaugural win against New Hampshire Phantoms as part of a ten-day trip to the US, which will climax with a fixture against Cincinnati Kings.

Lightbourne wanted to start up front with Goater following their master-class displays against the Phantoms, but has been forced to break up Bermuda’s most potent ever strike partnership after picking up an ankle knock. The golden oldies acted as catalysts as the Hogges ended their winless duck with former Man City striker Goater scoring twice — the latter a venomous spot-kick.

And while both men insist the fledging football franchise is about unearthing new talent, Lightbourne admits the partnership will be reunited again this season.

“I would’ve liked to have started up front with Shaun (Goater) again tonight as it’s good to keep a winning team,” he said.

“But I have an ankle injury and I won’t be involved although I should be available against Cincinnati. “Both Shaun and myself have played at a high level and know the ins and outs of attacking play and I believe that does rub off on the other players.

“We know how to hold the ball up, bring others into play and relieve pressure off the rest of the team.”

The Hogges squad left Bermuda yesterday and will take on the Cincinnati Kings at the Town & Country Sports Complex on July 14. Lightbourne believes the trip will encourage team bonding and allow the players to concentrate solely on football matters without outside distractions.

“This trip represents a chance for the squad to be together for a long period of time without any distractions,” he said.

“A few will have to head back to Bermuda for work commitments but the majority will be with us for the trip’s entirety. We’ll be looking to build on our victory against Phantoms so this game is an important fixture for us.

“The players look a lot more confident now and it’s a shame we couldn’t have played sooner as it’s been well over a week since the Phantoms game.

“It happened to us when we drew against the Cincinnati Kings at the start of the season and sometimes you can lose a bit of momentum.”

Co-owner Paul Scope has scouted the Cleveland City Stars already this season — with Lightbourne describing them as a well organised and well-drilled outfit.

He added: “They are a physical team and it’ll be a case of trying to grind out a result against them. If we can cut out our silly mistakes then hopefully we can get something out of the game and build a run — we need a good second half of the season.”

Hogges will be without striker Raymond Beach and ‘keeper Timmy Figureido due to work commitments, but welcome back midfielder Jelani Scott from injury.

But latest recruit Sean Simmons will be absent, with the dreadlocked defender temporarily ruled out of overseas action after overstaying his visa in the US last summer.