Amid what is shaping up to be one of the closest title races in recent memory, this weekend's round of Premier Division matches could prove pivotal in the battle for league honours.

In tomorrow's top match, leaders North Village will host second-placed PHC Zebras at Bernard Park, both teams aware that defeat could hammer a large dent in their championship hopes.

Village came from behind in midweek to dispose of Devonshire Colts 2-1 and book a spot in the Friendship Trophy final for the second year in succession, having won the trophy a year ago.

Having already secured a berth in the FA Cup semi-final against minnows Somerset Eagles next month, Scott Morton's men must now be thinking about a possible cup and league treble.

And victory over the Zebras tomorrow would certainly make that a realistic goal.

Another clash in which there should be no shortage of action is set to take place at Somerset Cricket Club, where the hosts take on Devonshire Cougars, who will be making the trek west for the second weekend in succession.

Mark Trott's side have been riding high lately with wins over PHC (3-0) and Wolves (1-0) and another triumph tomorrow could set up the west enders for a late charge at the title.

Since winning the Martonmere Cup earlier in the season, Cougars have slipped in form although they might have collected maximum points on their last trip west when Kori Goddard missed a golden opportunity to seal victory late in the game against PHC, the match ending 2-2.

Likewise, since winning the Dudley Eve Trophy, Wolves have tumbled down the table, Dennis Brown's men having lost their last four matches. And they will not find things any easier against third-placed Devonshire Colts at BAA Field tonight .

Wolves cannot afford any more setbacks if they are to remain in contention but will take heart from the 5-2 drubbing they inflicted on Colts back in November.

In the First Division, Young Men's Social Club - 14-1 losers to Somerset Eagles last weekend - could be in for yet another long afternoon as Boulevard look to strengthen their promotion chase at Bernard Park.

Somerset Eagles should welcome the opportunity to familiarise themselves with Police Field, the venue for their much anticipated FA Cup semi-final against Village next month. But the west enders will be mindful of the unpredictability of Prospect who seem to step it up a notch when on home turf.

In the east end, Hamilton Parish will look to erase painful memories of their midweek loss to Boulevard in the Shield Competition semi-final by getting back to winning ways against landlords St. David's at Lord's. However, the Islanders might themselves be looking to avenge their own loss to Parish during the quarter-final stage of the Shield.

In the remaining First Division match, Ireland Rangers host Southampton Rangers at Malabar.