Cup clash a test for struggling Colts
Wanderers, the focus in tomorrow's FA Cup third round clash will be on the all-First Division match-up at White Hill Field between Devonshire Colts and Wolves.
Devonshire Colts have lost their edge since a 2-1 defeat against Dandy Town in the Martonmere Cup final on November 12 and nobody is more aware of that than skipper Shannon Burgess which is why he enters every match with guarded optimism ... and tomorrow will be no different.
Wolves go into the game with similar concerns after a mediocre run. And the fact that both are fighting to regain their early season form makes the contest that much more interesting.
It will be the first meeting between the sides this season and Burgess is not about to take anything for granted.
"I expect a very competitive game because Wolves are fighters. In all of the games they have played so far they have hung around for 90 minutes, they are a very energetic team and fight until the end,'' said Burgess. "My main concern is over my team's recent performances. After our Martonmere Cup loss we haven't played too well. We have been getting chances but not putting them away. We haven't really dominated games like we would have liked to, and frustration has set in.
"The guys need to put what's happened in the past behind them and move forward.
"A lot of things need to be worked out, but it comes with maturity, it comes with experience and hopefully as the season moves on we will get better.'' With McKonnen Hollis and Jermel Simmons playing solidly in the middle of defence, Burgess has been able to move up from midfield to add punch to the attack and that tactic is beginning to pay off. But the skipper wants to see better use being made of the chances created.
Wolves have problems in the middle of their defence and they could be vulnerable to the raids spearheaded by Aljame Zuill, Keishon Smith and speedy Sullivan Phillips.
The other all-First Division clash is at Wellington Oval where Hamilton Parish could deliver a blow to Somerset Trojans who are another team struggling to find their touch this season.
Parish are coming off a hard fought draw against Devonshire Colts while the west enders will have to brush up their finishing considerably if they are to improve on Wednesday night's Friendship Trophy loss to North Village.
Champions Vasco are on a roll and BAA Wanderers are not expected to be able stop them from continuing their fine run.
Vasco's coach John Rebello is off the Island and will not be on the bench for the game but the able Herbie Bascome has been putting them through tough drills during training this week and they should be ready to overcome this first cup hurdle.
Wanderers are third in the Commercial League A Division but this will be the first time this season they have come up against an attack of the quality of Vasco.
At Lord's, First Division Boulevard could be forced to sweat it out against a pesky Robin Hood side, also from the Commercial League.
Hood are undefeated this season and could cause their opponents plenty of concern, although Boulevard remain the heavy favourites.
At Wellington Oval, Dandy Town, leaders of the First Division, should have it easier against St. George's's Colts who might hang around and remain competitive for the first half before their lack of physical fitness takes its toll.
At Southampton Oval the Rangers might have to work hard before successfully brushing off the challenge of Second Division Social Club.
And another Second Division side, Paget, will probably test Devonshire Cougars early before succumbing to their First Division rivals.
At St.John's Field, First Division North Village will be strong favourites to eliminate Commercial Leaguers Belco.
