For the Hornets have set their sights on the Portuguese club as they seek possession of the Dudley Eve Trophy for the fourth time.

The first leg of the final kicks off tonight at PHC Stadium (9.00 p.m.) with the second final at Wellington Oval (2.30 p.m.) on Monday.

"It's a cup final and we'll come to play and may the best side win...hopefully us,'' said Dandy Town coach Devarr Boyles following Thursday night's convincing 2-0 defeat of North Village. "We have to attack them, take our chances and then let the pieces fall where they may.'' Town have been much maligned for their showing in the first half of the league campaign, one that has reaped just three wins from nine matches and 12 points, and has seen them struggling to stay in touch with leaders Vasco on 22 points.

Even Boyles' coaching ability has come into question, with some quarters openly seeking the first year man's ouster.

However, if their most recent performance is any indication of the future for the St. John's Road side, Vasco would do well to map out a formidable game plan if they are to claim their third piece of silverware.

Stung by recent `bad press', the Hornets exploded with a vengeance against the Red Devils, all but mopping the pitch with their nearby rivals and showing doubters that there still remains plenty of fuel in the tank.

"In times of discomfort, in times of reward anybody can stand up, but in times of controversy and confusion there lies the true test of character...when true team spirit and character comes out,'' stated Boyles after Thursday's victory.

Indeed, Town's heart has been questioned this season, with some justification based on their overall record. However, overlooked has been the adversity faced by a club ravaged by injury, suspension and the retirement of veteran centre-back Wayne Campbell.

Having had to shift and shuffle players in `foreign' positions has also hindered the team's cohesion.

Another factor has been the injury of Carlos Smith that limited the top striker to a mere handful of games. And Town may have to play without Darron Simons today, as the forward was stretchered off with a right-leg injury moments after scoring the first of Town's two goals on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Vasco have been all that was advertised, an all-star crew playing as such.. .and enjoying every minute.

Frontrunners Corey Hill and Irving Burgess have been nothing less than spectacular and with workhorse Dwight Basden at his dogged best, aiding the attack, opponents are not exactly eager for a place in line at their doorstep.

Add to that an ironclad defensive front keyed by the likes of Shawn Smith and Kentoine Jennings in the middle, Earl Richardson and Sinclair Gibbons at the respective full back positions and the reliable Timmy Figureido in goal, Vasco have been no easy nut to crack.

Town will again have to be at their opportunist best in order to prevail in the final, which switches to St. George's and Wellington Oval for the second leg.

Tonight's curtain raiser (7.00 p.m.) also promises much excitement as the youthful legs of North Village and Devonshire Colts clash in a battle for the right to the final of the junior Shell Shield Cup slated for New Year's Day.

Both will enter armed with several senior team members, as the young Red Devils can call on the likes of Kuma Smith, Kimande Binns, Quincy Paynter, Kaiwon Dill and Vernon Tankard to boost their squad.

Colts also have a bevy of young talent to recruit from the top flight, including Damon Ming, Sullivan Phillips and Makonnen Hollis.