Wade warns PHC about threat from `wounded' Cougars
PHC Zebras head into the weekend in the knowledge that unless they are on top of the game their stay at the top of the Premier Division could be an all too brief one.
Depending on how results fall any one of five teams is capable of reaching the summit in what has so far proved to be a topsy-turvy season.
Zebras were idle last weekend during FA Cup quarter-final action and should be well rested and they should welcome the sight of Devonshire Cougars to their temporary abode at the west end. Mark Wade's side will recall the 5-0 drubbing they inflicted upon the Cougars over the Christmas holiday but the coach was quick to dispel any notions of a repeat.
"A wounded animal is a dangerous animal and I consider Cougars to be wounded," said Wade.
"Our last result over them has no bearing on Sunday's game. I think that they will show up to play on Sunday as it will be a crucial game for them to get their season back on track.
"As for my team, the encounter presents us with an opportunity to solidify our position on top of the league."
Second-placed Devonshire Colts, who were knocked out of the FA Cup during their last outing by North Village, should not expect any sympathy from Dandy Town at White Hill Field. Andrew Bascome's side will be looking to avenge a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to the Orangemen back in October.
On that occasion Colts fought back valiantly from a goal down to grab two late strikes, with Aljame Zuill inflicting a sting of his own upon the Hornets with the late winner in injury time.
But in contrast to Colts' misfortunes of late, Town have been quietly getting the desired results and it should be an interesting match as they also have a full complement of players returning to form and they will be further aided by the recent acquisition of Corey Hill in the attack.
Although St. George's Colts sparked an early season collapse for North Village with a 1-0 upset during the teams' first meeting back in October, the east enders might find the going a bit more arduous this time around at Wellington Oval.
Scott Morton's team are in top form, having won their last four games convincingly.
Meanwhile, at BAA tonight (8.00 p.m.), Wolves, who have been but a shadow of their former selves lately, prepare to host Somerset Trojans.
This match should provide plenty of drama as both teams will be looking to get things back on track heading into the latter stage of the season.
Wolves will be seeking to recover ground on the leaders and break their post - Dudley Eve slump, while the Trojans desperately need a win as they look to avoid battling, yet again, for survival.
In First Division action league leaders Boulevard take on Ireland Rangers at BAA in a rematch of the teams' recent Shield encounter which the Blazers comprehensively won 4-1.
Boulevard, who tasted defeat for the first time this season in a 3-0 loss to Dandy Town in the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend, will look to put that result behind them and get back to their winning ways.
In yet another interesting match-up, Hamilton Parish make the trek to Southampton Oval where they will meet a rejuvenated Rangers outfit that appears to be growing in confidence.
However, it remains to be seen just how Ronue Cann's young cast will fare against the likes of Parish's more seasoned nucleus.
St. David's are at home to Paget, while FA Cup semi-finalists Somerset Eagles should relish the opportunity of taking on bottom side Young Men's Social Club at White Hill Field.