Assistant Boulevard coach Richard Todd is confident Blazers will rebound from last weekend's slim Martonmere Cup loss to rivals Devonshire Cougars and stake a strong claim for top honours this season.

After matching their opponents pound-for-pound in their season opener, Boulevard were ultimately denied a deserved share of the spoils when super sub Tumaini Steede leapt from the bench to fire home the Big Cats' winner ten -minutes from the end of regulation.

"It was a good match between the teams that I honestly thought we could have taken a point away from. The first half was very pleasing and we could have taken one or two chances a little better," Todd told The Royal Gazette.

The ex-Blazers defender believes a lack of match fitness contributed to his team's late demise.

"Our match fitness was lacking in the second half but we remained organised and made it hard for Cougars to find a way through," he added.

"It was unfortunate that we had to use a sub for Randy (Broadbelt) in the goal as he was having a good match up till that point. This was costly as we were trying to get relief to the midfielders who were fatiguing.

"But overall I thought it was a good starting point for the team which will continue to get better. The coaching staff is looking to see the team continue to improve with each match and learn and grow.

"The Martonmere Cup is a pre-season tournament that we are using to look at different player combinations, team organisation and most importantly develop match fitness. The season is a long one and our best is still to come."

Having lost their opening Group A Martonmere clash, Blazers will now have to go for broke to avoid being eliminated by Premier Division, FA Cup and Charity Cup champions PHC Zebras at BAA Field this Saturday night.

"The match against PHC will also be a good encounter. Our players are competitive and will be looking to acquit themselves well against the defending champions," said Todd.

"Clearly PHC are the early favourites for honours this season, but we have been working hard and have players who can make a difference in a match."

Todd has teamed up with former Village team-mate Andrew Bascome who carried Boulevard to dizzying heights during his first coaching stint at the urban club in the 1990s. And the pair's arrival seems to have sent expectations at the club soaring through the roof although Todd begs to differ.

"I don't think there are expectations placed on Boulevard this season. . . . PHC are the team with expectations," he reasoned.

"There is excitement around the club this season with the news that Government has granted us use of Desert Field in conjunction with Social Club. Boulevard has never had a club house or field to call home and this will have a positive impact on our programmes and the community.

"We are also working to rebuild our junior programme which extends its scope beyond just involvement with football. Andrew (Bascome) has returned to coach at the club this year, and it cannot be forgotten what he did to transform Boulevard to the top of domestic football during his last tenure.

"His return brings excitement as he has proven at every club he has coached he is capable of developing a team that can challenge for honours.

"Our short -term goals are to re-establish the senior team as a strong competitor and contender in the Premier Division this season, restructure the youth programme and assist several players to make the transition to the national level.

"Our long- term goals are the development of the Desert Field and facilities and increase in the programming services offered to the community."

Ex-Vestavia Hills Soccer Club academy director Todd says so far players have responded well to the demands now being placed on them by the new coaching staff.

"The players have responded very well to the coaching changes this year. They are working hard and implementing the tactics and style of play we would like to see. Boulevard has always had good individual players.

"They are very open to the development of a more team approach, while still allowing room for creativity and individual expression," he added.

"Several players like Takehyi (Walker) and Angelo (Simmons) have worked hard to improve their fitness which can only improve their effect on a game. Both are capable of scoring goals and will do as they develop more sharpness.

"Michael Parsons is also in great shape and has a very positive and professional approach toward his preparation.

"The key is to find the right role for him to have a bigger impact in a game.

"Melchisedec (Gibbons) is a natural leader. He sets a high level and demands a lot from himself.

"He is a difference maker and a player that I think has tools to elevate to the next level," he added.

New acquisition Dion Stovell trained with his new club at Bernard Park earlier this week but is not expected to be in Saturday's lineup for the Zebras clash.