Town and Boulevard at Bernard Park (2.30 p.m) will be a catatonic battle of the league's elite.

Town skipper Lloyd Christopher as well as coach Mark Trott emphasised the difficulty of the task that lies ahead, but were optimistic of their side's chances of coming away with a victory and earning their second consecutive berth in the final.

"I know it's going to be a tough match,'' said Christopher, who played in the semifinal last year when Town defeated the Blazers 1-0, but was unavailable for the final against PHC, which they lost 2-1. "Both teams are very competitive and on a good streak.

"The guys are feeling confident, the harmony is there. We're looking to go all the way to the final and I know Boulevard are too, but only one of us can come out on top...hopefully that will be us.'' With the Blazers set to import midfielder Kevin Smith specifically for this match the Hornets were hopeful of bringing in their own "secret weapon'' in the form of Devarr Boyles.

However, Trott said yesterday that he was unsure whether Boyles, a student at Old Dominion University in Virginia, would be able to make the trip as he had a class late Friday afternoon and Trott had not heard from him.

Boyles would be a welcome boost to the midfield, an area where Town have missed former captain Voorhees Astwood.

There have been several changes in the middle of the formation and Boyles could have been expected to link up alongside Pernell Douglas and Paul Cann, a place occupied by Gladwin Johnson on Tuesday night against Devonshire Colts.

The back line is solid, containing a core of veterans including Christopher, Wylie Rudo, Wayne Campbell and anchored by Neil Paynter, with promising youngster Ricky Tucker filling in admirably between the `sticks' in the absence of injured Anthony Manders.

Spearheading the attack is the lightning-fast Carlos Smith, who has five goals to his credit as does strike partner Walter Musson, himself a terror when operating on either flank.

Dennis Robinson completes the trio of forwards, but the man who could possibly hold the key to a Town victory may not even start.

Lionel Cann has been used mostly in a substitute role, nevertheless he has proven quite effective as Boulevard know from last year when he erased their chances with a late winner. Cann leads all Town scorers with seven goals so far and his energetic play often serves to elevate the level of his team-mates.

Trott said that he fancied his team's position heading into the match.

"I like being able to go in as underdogs,'' said Trott. "There won't be that much pressure on us.

"I wouldn't even mind if the weather stayed like it is today (Friday which was windy and rainy) because Boulevard rely on touches and it would be more to our advantage.'' As for the record between the teams thus far this season -- each have beaten the other once with one match drawn.

The match will be preceded at 12.30 p.m. by a Crystal Palace Youth Cup semifinal match between Dandy Town and Devonshire Colts.

LLOYD CHRISTOPHER -- In action for Dandy Town in last year's FA Cup semifinal against former Boulevard Blazer Herbie Bascome.