Bermuda Hogges striker Stephen Astwood is scheduled to undergo a last-minute fitness test to determine whether or not he can play in tonight’s USL Division Two clash with mid-table Western Mass Pioneers.

The Hogges will again take centre stage at the National Sports Centre (7.30pm kick-off) in what will be the local team’s final home match of the 2007 schedule.

Astwood limped off with a pulled hamstring during the Hogges’ 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace Baltimore at the NSC last week — but not before netting his third goal in two outings in spectacular fashion from 25 yards.

The franchise player completed a full training session on Sunday to keep his chances of team selection for tonight’s clash alive.

“Stevie got through a training session and my guess is that he is going to be okay. He seems to have recovered somewhat from his injury, and we are hoping he has recovered in time for the game so that he can continue his run of form,” said Hogges’ boss Shaun Goater.

“With his build and as quick as he is, he tends to have problems with his hamstrings. Stevie was just starting to deliver what’s expected of him, and it’s just unfortunate that he got injured. And we are never happy when one of our players gets injured — especially when a player is just beginning to hit form.”

While Astwood’s status remains up in the air, Goater is confident others can fill the void should the big striker fail to convince team physio Daniel Morgan that he is fit enough to play.

He also remains optimistic his side can deliver the goods against their American rivals before they travel abroad for their remaining five matches of the season to close out a campaign in which Goater has noticed significant improvement.

“We have been improving steadily over the season and the players are now starting to grasp the little things it takes to put in a good performance,” he said. “We feel that we are going places and I wish we had another 10 games because we are now a bit more used to playing at this level.”

The former Manchester City striker also praised his team’s sponsors, devoted volunteers and fans for lending their overwhelming support during home matches. “Without our sponsors none of this would’ve been possible and we look forward to seeing everyone at the last game and also next season,” Goater added.