Bermuda Hogges have targetted a mid-table finish in their first campaign in the Premier Development League (PDL), the team's technical director Derek Broadley said yesterday.

Hogges have picked up four points at home from their opening four matches to leave them seventh in the ten-team table, although they have played fewer games than all of the sides above them.

While Broadley believes they have the potential to be a real force in the PDL, he has moved to quell expectations of a play-off finish this term while the Hogges adjust to the US amateur league.

"Our realistic goal is probably a mid-table finish while we're getting used to the league," said Broadley. "I think that would represent a decent first season.

"I've been encouraged by the start we've made and I think four points is fair reflection of our performances so far.

"I've been pleased with the application of the players, I don't think we've looked out of place physically other than our last game against Ocean City. I think it was a case of our four games in 10 days finally taking its toll on us."

Hogges' 20-man squad today embarked on their first East Coast road trip of the season where their play three different New Jersey-based outfits, including second place Ironbound Express.

As the Hogges found out during their three seasons in the USL-D2, playing away from home can be an onerous task but Broadley is confident they will be able to claim points from their trio of matches.

"Looking at Ironbound Express, that should be our toughest game of the three," he said. "I think the other two are realistically winnable. If we could nick one then that would be great.

"In this league you have to build up your points. If you can go away get four points, come back home and get four points then that's the pattern you're looking for.

"Historically the Hogges have not travelled well and we want to change that trend. But it's difficult when you travel in this league, games came so quickly and you're staying in hotels."

Hogges will be boosted by the return of Damon Ming from his one match suspension although Tyrell Burgess will miss tomorrow's match at Ironbound Express following his sending off against Ocean City.

Broadley believes there is far more to come from Burgess who has struggled to find his rhythm so far this season, playing out of position as a lone striker in their last two matches.

"I've spoken to Tyrell and he has a lot more to give us," he said. "We have lots of players who are very similar and to be fair to him he's been doing everybody a favour by playing through the middle. I think everyone would appreciate that his best position is out on the wing.

"It's always difficult for the players who are more adaptable because they're the ones that get shifted around a little bit."

Winger Angelo Simmons will not make the trip to New Jersey due to injury while new signing Darius Cox is not yet deemed match fit.

"I believe Darius has signed his papers, he's been at training and as soon as he's match fit he'll get his chance," said Broadley.

Hogges' 20-man squad

Goalkeepers: Freddy Hall, Tahj Bell. Defenders: Marquel Waldron, Jaylon Bather, George Dyer Jr., Ajani Gibbons, Reiko Trott, Ernest Signor, Rakeem DeShields, Roger Lee, Logan Alexander. Midfielders: Seion Darrell, Damon Ming, Troy Tucker, Nahki Wells, Jared Peniston. Forwards: Shayne Hollis, Quadir Maynard, Tyrell Burgess,Keishen Bean.

Coaching staff" Head coach Scott Morton, Technical director Derek Broadley, Assistant coach Maurice Lowe, Physio Craig Brown

Hogges away fixtures

(all times Eastern)

Tomorrow v Ironbound Express, 8 p.m.

Saturday v New Jersey Rangers, 4 p.m.

Tuesday v Central New Jersey Spartans, 7.30 p.m.