Premier Division side looking to offer opponents anything faintly resembling good cheer.

The period ahead of the festive season generally provides heightened interest and intrigue, especially in the top half of the table with teams jostling for one of the four top spots that guarantee entry into the lucrative Dudley Eve Trophy competition.

Participation -- indeed winning -- the holiday tournament provides a welcome financial boost to the coffers of competing clubs, and with several said to be in need of funds, administrators certainly would like to see theirs involved.

Tomorrow starts a testing stretch, where teams will play three matches in the space of eight days in order to complete a first half interrupted by the recent referees' boycott.

North Village and PHC stand on the inside track for Dudley Eve places, as four points from the trio of matches would guarantee places for each. Both have accumulated 10 points after four matches, with identical 3-1-0 -- win-draw-loss -- records.

Next in line are defending champions Devonshire Colts on seven points, followed by recently crowned Martonmere Cup champs Wolves, who met Somerset last night.

League leaders PHC would appear to have the tougher task in maintaining their unbeaten record, as they tackle Devonshire Cougars at Somerset Cricket Club tomorrow.

Cougars, although having only one win to their credit in the league since being promoted, are a tough nut to crack as they boast the second best defence, one that has conceded just six goals in four outings. And they will need to be at their best with PHC the top offence with 15 goals scored, that compared to a meagre one registered by the boys from The Den.

At Bernard Park, Village will surely test the resolve of Southampton Rangers and newly installed head coach Edgar Smith, who was this week named to replace Tyrone Williams in the hot seat.

Rangers won a week ago, beating St. George's to qualify for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, but rather than the First Division fodder of seven days ago, in the Red Devils they will get a legitimate test in the art of top flight soccer.

Perhaps the most intriguing fixture will take place at the bump-filled minefield that is St. John's Field, where making a straight pass is an accomplishment in itself.

Town have been one of the bigger disappointments to date, managing only a single win thus far. However, victory heals many wounds, and that will be what coach Andrew Bascome hopes can mend the psyche of his troops.

Colts, though, fully expect success of their own. Having won last season's Dudley Eve event with a 7-3 aggregate bashing of Vasco, they recognise the importance of a positive result.

The day's top First Division encounter matches second place St. George's against Social Club at spacious Wellington Oval, while first place Paget should have few problems getting past St. David's across the pond.

Other affairs see Ireland Rangers entertaining Boulevard, and Somerset Eagles taking on Prospect.

In Women's action Little Venice host Wolves Girls at BAA Field, while PHC welcome Dandy Stars to the west end.