The football season shifts into high gear tonight when Devonshire Cougars open the defence of their Premier Division title against namesakes Colts at the Den.

In three outings so far this season, Cougars have managed one loss, one win and a sole draw, scoring a combined nine goals and conceding nine against.

And while early indications suggest Andrew Bascome has yet to find a way to shore up a porous defence ? that could be without the inspirational Shawn Smith tonight through injury ? the coach might also have to reconsider again sacrificing Domico Coddington on the flanks as opposed to playing the Italy-bound player in the middle alongside team captain Kwame Steede.

In their previous match against North Village Rams ? which clinched Martonmere Cup Group A honours for the 2004-05 Premier Division and Friendship Trophy champions ? the Big Cats appeared vulnerable in midfield while a feared attack that banged home 35 goals last season looked anything but prolific.

Heys Wolfe?s return from suspension was also cut short through a slight groin injury, according to club sources.

However, newcomer Clevon Hill could make his debut in a Cougars? jersey tonight following his move from Somerset Trojans.

Hill, the son of former Bermuda international striker Clevie Wade, has struggled over the past two or three seasons through injury.

But a good start tonight could provide the perfect psychological boost for Hill working up front in tandem with another former Devonshire Colts player, Aljame Zuill.

Zuill, on course for what could be fruitful season in front of the net, has already netted five goals spearheading Cougars? attack.

Others who could fill in for the injured Wolfe are 17 year-old Edgar Davids- wannabe Randy Robinson, Reginald Baker and Chris Caisey.

Jamal Simmons, meanwhile, could replace the injured Shawn Smith in a defence marshalled so far by the returning Omar Butterfield, while Ricky Brangman Jr. should retain his starting spot between the posts.

Colts, on the other hand, are sure to face a baptism of fire when they enter what is expected to be a hostile Den tonight.

While not much has been mentioned about Colts during the pre-season ? other than the transfers of Jason Simons and Quincy Aberdeen to Cougars and Trojans ? this could work in favour of the inaugural Martonmere and Dudley Eve Trophy winners who also clinched last season?s inaugural First Division Champions Cup title.

Cougars edged Colts 1-0 at White Hill Field in March of 2004 the last time these two rivals met.

Colts were then relegated at the end of the 2004 campaign.