issue of the second relegation team.

League soccer resumes this weekend with important matches involving the top and bottom teams as leaders North Village bid to at the least maintain their two-point lead and PHC, Southampton and Vasco try to move away from the relegation zone.

Village take on a rejuvenated Vasco team at Bernard Park while the day's top match sees third and fourth-placed Dandy Town and Devonshire Colts clashing at St. John's field.

St. David's look certainties for the drop but it is anybody's guess who will join them in the Second Division next season.

The three teams ahead of the last-placed Islanders are all on eight points, separated only by goal difference.

All three, PHC, Southampton and Vasco, face tough matches while Vasco are aiming for their fourth straight win to move out of the last two places. Of their three recent wins only one, against Devonshire Colts, came in the league, so their position has not changed.

One of their recent cup victims was North Village who will be seeking revenge at home. With Boulevard and Dandy Town just two points behind, Village can ill-afford to drop points this weekend. But they have already lost twice to Vasco.

Boulevard take on another struggling team, Southampton Rangers, who will be hoping the recent appointment of former national team coach Gary Darrell will change their fortunes.

However, he could not have asked for a tougher baptism as Boulevard, despite two straight losses in the league, are still in the hunt for the league and FA Cup double.

Devonshire Colts have not beaten Dandy Town in three attempts this season, something they will have to do if the gap between themselves and the Hornets is not to widen further.

But they also need be reminded that Town have not lost in nine league and cup games, which quickly tilts the balance back in their favour.

The big worry for Colts coach Lorenzo Symonds is his defence which, against the likes of Carlos Smith, Kris Martin and Paul Cann, will be put to the test.

"Defensively we're not as sound,'' he said. "I feel okay about the scoring, but defensively we do have some problems.'' Symonds, 36, has said this will be his last year as a player in the First Division, though he has not donned the orange jersey yet. At the same time he has not ruled out still lending his experience in the defence, if he can get in the required condition.

"There is still a chance,'' he said. "But right now we do have a lot of injuries and I'm hoping I won't have to play.

"If I'm in shape and fit enough to help out I'll help out. If I think I can get in shape and not be a hindrance there is still a possibility (of playing).

The thought has come to mind but I haven't been pressured.'' Much has been made of the punchless St. George's attack, and though they are away to the bottom team, St. David's, the two points are not guaranteed.

While the Islanders may not have been up for their recent match against North Village, they will be more excited about this local derby at home.

The other match could go either way, between PHC and Somerset, at PHC Stadium.

The Trojans are only a shadow of past Somerset teams and though relegation is unthinkable in that part of the Island, this team is not in the clear yet.

Neither are PHC for that matter, as they flirt with relegation for the second time in 13 years.

Daihatsu Second Division leaders Devonshire Cougars have a bye tomorrow as BAA take on Hamilton Parish at home in the top match.

Parish are on a roll, having gone unbeaten in their last four league matches, leaving them with an outside chance of promotion.

Third-placed Wolves travel to White Hill field to meet Somerset Eagles while the other matches see Prospect taking on Social Club at Police field and Paget hosting Port Royal at Southampton Oval.

ELLIOTT JENNINGS -- The Village Captain, at left, will want to have a say in stopping Vasco cold.