Bermuda Hogges have been forced to play the second match of their home turf double header against Western Mass Pioneers at BAA field due to fixture congestion at the National Sports Centre (NSC).

The NSC was scheduled to host three matches in three days with the Hogges slated to play two games at the venue, while the World Cup qualifier between Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago is scheduled for Sunday.

The Hogges will still be able to play Friday night's match at the NSC but will host the second game at BAA on Saturday after the United Soccer Leagues (USL) relaxed their minimum standards for official match venues.

"The league has allowed us to change venues and play at BAA field", said Hogges coach Kyle Lightbourne. "This is a big step for us as we won't have to forfeit the match.

"There is a lot that goes into forfeiting a game. If we had two forfeited matches in a season then we would get kicked out of the league, so it was an important thing to get this venue."

Depleted due to the national team's involvement in the qualifiers, the Hogges went down 4-1 to Richmond Kickers in the US last weekend.

The Hogges travelled with five trialists in their squad including Keith Jennings, Blenn Bean, Brendon Minors, Andrew Charlton and Cecoy Robinson.

"Considering we didn't have our full strength team we played very well up until the match was stopped due to thunder and lightning," said Lightbourne.

"Once the game resumed after an hour's delay, we never really got back into our stride. We just had a mad ten-minute spell where we let the game get away from us and from then on we were never really in it.

"We need to start picking up points again. We haven't got any points for four games now, so we have to change our mindset and do what is necessary to remain competitive."

Former national team boss Lightbourne was full of praise for Kenny Thompson's Bermuda following their heroic 2-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago last Sunday.

He said: "Not too long ago, when Keith Tucker was in charge, people were worried about where the game was going.

"But now with Kenny Thompson back in the fold, he has a system in place that seems to be taking us in the right direction. Long may it continue."

"It's a sign of how far things have come in a short space of time with Bermuda Hogges showing that we can be competitive at this level when we have a full strength squad and the national team still competing in the World Cup qualifiers."

The Hogges co-owner Paul Scope echoed Lightbourne's sentiments regarding the national's unexpected win over Trinidad.

"First let me congratulate the Bermuda national team and their coach Kenny Thompson," said Scope.

"I feel the win against Trinidad really highlights the level of play in Bermuda."

"Our Hogges boys played well and I want to especially congratulate them. We look forward to having them back in Hogges jerseys soon!"

Bermuda Hogges take on Western Mass Pioneers on Friday at the National Sports Centre, and on Saturday at BAA. Both games kick-off at 7 p.m.