Joint Premier Division leaders North Village and PHC Zebras will rest their unbeaten league records on the line when they collide head on in tomorrow's top clash of the day at Southampton Oval.

Nothing seperated the two teams in their first encounter in the Martonmere Cup last month that ended in a scoreless draw at BAA Field. But with sole possession of first place in tables at stake and third-placed Dandy Town idle this weekend, both teams will look to outdo each other and maintain their early season momentum.

Village, who have won three league titles in the past six seasons, defeated champions Devonshire Cougars to kick start the new campaign on a high note and then hammered newcomers Ireland Rangers in their home opener at Bernard Park. Rams, though, were denied a third straight win when they were held to a 1-1 stalemate against arch rivals Somerset Trojans in the West End last weekend.

Zebras, who trail the leaders on goal difference, possess an identical record to that of Village and likewise have also enjoyed success over league champs Cougars who picked up their first point of the season against a gutsy Boulevard on their last road trip.

It took a late equaliser from the reliable Nakia Smith to keep Rams' unbeaten record intact against Trojans while a subdued Zebras did just enough to get past winless Rangers at Malabar. But it's a safe bet both teams will be up for tomorrow's challenge that could go either way.

Elsewhere tomorrow Trojans continue the quest for a first league win of the season when they host arch rivals Devonshire Colts at Somerset Cricket Club. Trojans showed subliminal flashes of the team that lifted the Dudley Eve and Friendship trophies last season against Rams and with better finishing might easily have come away with all the spoils.

Colts are also yet to savour a first league win since their return to the top flight but, as hard-fought draws against Zebras and most recently Hornets suggest, it may not be long before the FA Cup champions finally prevail.

Tonight sees a youthful Boulevard hosting Rangers at BAA Field where Blazers are favoured to pick up a second win of the season. Blazers pushed league champions Cougars to brink of defeat in their previous encounter but left the door open just wide enough for the mercurial Kwame Steede to pounce and equalise at the death.

Rangers were denied a first win of the season in their season opener with Trojans that ended deadlocked at one apiece at Malabar earlier this month. But since that scorching October afternoon the boys from Dockyard have lost some of their sting in the form of successive losses to Rams and Zebras.

Cougars and Hornets, meanwhile, will clash next Tuesday night at the Den.

In weekend First Division play, rejuvenated Hamilton Parish will bid to continue their winnings ways against St. George's at Wellington Oval while fellow high-flyers Somerset Eagles battle with Southampton Rangers at White Hill Field.

At Lords, St. David's should take last weekend's loss to Hot Peppers out on early season whipping boys BAA, while Wolves take on Paget at Devonshire Recreation Club and Social Club host X Roads Warriors at Bernard Park.