met Boulevard on Sunday, when they open their Martonmere Cup campaign tonight against Dandy Town at Devonshire Rec. field at 7 p.m.

Colts were missing a number of key players because of injury and suspension but still managed to provide formidable opposition for Boulevard whose experience proved to be the difference as they clinched victory with three goals in the second half.

"It's basically the same squad,'' Symonds said of the vital clash with Town.

"These are the guys who got us to this point and they deserve the chance.'' Colts surprised their favoured opponents with some enterprising play during the first half and, with better finishing, might have taken the lead as the Boulevard defence looked suspect at times under pressure.

Symonds said it is something to build on, though he points out that Boulevard, too, were missing key players such as Dean Boyles, Carlos Pearman and Clinton Caisey.

"Basically, I didn't think we fared too badly, but inexperience showed when Boulevard stepped it up and we were not able to step up with them,'' said the Colts coach.

"Due to the lack of seasoned players we couldn't handle the pressure we received from Boulevard early in the second half when Boulevard could have scored more than two goals.'' Both teams even went close in injury time and the fans left St. David's having gotten value for their money from the season-opener.

"It bodes well for Bermuda soccer if all the teams are improving,'' said an optimistic Symonds. "Once that starts happening there is a possibility fans will start coming out. That's what the fans want, really, an entertaining match.'' Colts are back on the road in search of silverware, having finished second best in three competitions last season. They can expect a tough match from Town who lost to North Village in their Martonmere Cup opener last week and face a must-win situation.

Sunday's win over league champions Somerset will certainly have boosted Town's confidence.

"It seems like they are resurging again under Mark Trott who is in his first full tenure as coach,'' said Symonds. "They've gotten Kris Martin back and on paper their starting 11 is still very strong.

"The reason I want to win is because of the momentum of it all. In the first three games last season we hadn't lost and if we lose another one who's to say how it will turn out.'' Tonight's feature match sees Somerset and Boulevard meeting already for the second time this season. Boulevard won that first clash 2-1 in the Charity Cup and should be favourites again, having won three matches on the trot. Somerset are still without a win so far.

The expected return of Dean Boyles and Clinton Caisey to Boulevard's squad should provide for a healthy competition for places.

Boulevard, having beaten PHC in their first match, need only a draw tonight to book the first semifinal spot in the competition.

The times for the next round of Martonmere Cup games on October 19 have been switched. PHC will now play Somerset at 9 p.m. with Colts taking on North Village in the 7 p.m. opener.

The six-a-side tournament for Mini-Minors and Minors, which was scheduled for earlier this month, has been put back to December. An exact date will be confirmed by the BFA.