Soccer's season of uncertainty has two things that remain certain -- it will take less than the usual minimum 24 points to clinch the championship and more than last season's 15 points to be sure of surviving the drop.

In the past decade, at least, it has taken a minimum of 24 points to win the First Division title. But the way things are going this season, a couple of points short of that target could still guarantee success.

Since 1984-85 the league has been won with 28 points on four occasions and twice with 27. The minimum 24 was sufficient for a league title twice during that time span.

But unless one of the top clubs such as Dandy Town or Somerset embark on a winning streak between now and the end of the season, that 24 point haul will not be matched. Town would need to take 10 points from a possible 12 in their last six matches while Somerset, with a game in hand, would require 11 points from seven matches.

Both teams have been inconsistent lately and they will be hard-pressed this weekend to get back on the winning track against teams desperate for points at the other end of the table.

Town, hurt by a loss to St. George's in last weekend's only match, take on Vasco in one of the key matches. Vasco have been one of the most consistent teams in the last few weeks, having survived their last five league matches without a defeat.

During that time they have picked up eight out of a maximum 10 points but have not made much progress up the standings because other teams have also been winning. Town will be just as desperate for points as their opponents for they already stand to lose the top spot if Somerset win their match in hand against Devonshire Cougars next week.

So tight is it throughout the league that a greater effort will also be required to clinch Martonmere Cup places than in the past.

The Trojans travel away tomorrow when they visit Frog Lane to meet Devonshire Colts who, the Bermuda Football Association confirmed yesterday, have been awarded the points from their abandoned match against Devonshire Cougars on January 15.

Colts were leading 1-0 with eight minutes to go when bottles were thrown onto the pitch by Cougars fans after a goal was disallowed, forcing referee Rex Osborne to abandon the match and head for the safety of the dressing room.

That ruling, which came as no surprise, lifts Colts ahead of Cougars in the standings on 11 points, just three out of first place.

Cougars are second-from-bottom in the standings and face a must-win situation when they travel to BAA Field to meet the Greens in one of the most interesting matches this weekend.

Last-placed BAA might have a psychological edge in having beaten Cougars in their last two outings, this season in the league at Devonshire Rec. and last season in the Shield final. And with just a point separating the two they have a perfect opportunity to lift themselves off the bottom.

Two teams in the top four meet at St. David's where fourth-placed Boulevard take on St. George's, third. Both are locked on 12 points and know that only maximum points will keep them clear of the relegation zone.

Mid-table PHC and North Village begin the weekend action tonight when they clash at PHC Stadium at 8.00, the match having earlier this week been switched to Sunday before being brought back to this evening.

All the teams will have their Under-23 players back in action, as they arrive back on the Island today from the tour of Florida.

Tomorrow's Second Division action sees Prospect hosting Southampton Rangers at Police Field, Somerset Eagles at home to Social Club, Wolves playing Hamilton Parish at Devonshire Rec and St. David's travelling to Southampton Oval to meet Paget.