Dandy Town assistant coach Jomar Wilkinson has called upon his team to kick-off the new season on a winning note when they clash with Devonshire Cougars in the Charity Cup at BAA Field on Saturday.

Hornets have added a few new faces to their squad and while the new-look team may take time to gel, Saturday night's match will give the club's coaches a good indication of how far they have come in their preparations for the new campaign.

Yesterday, Wilkinson has challenged Hornets to start the season as they finished the last, by lifting a piece of silverware.

"We're taking the game very seriously, we want to win every trophy we can," said Wilkinson. "The players have been preparing hard for this game and we will also try and look at a few different things that we can implement during the season."

Last year's curtain raiser saw FA Cup champions Cougars lose to Boulevard Blazers 1-0 at Wellington Oval.

And a victory over Cougars in the Charity Cup will certainly be a morale booster for Hornets who are determined to defend their Premier Division title this term.

"To beat Cougars in the first game of the season will definitely be a morale booster going into the season, but we know that they're a good side also and will also be looking to check out a few things at their end as well," said Wilkinson.

"Cougars have some exceptional players and will be challenging for every trophy.

"When you look at the early stages of the season it's important to get off on the right foot, and a win in this match will put us in good stead for the start of the season.

"We just want our players to go out and give 100 percent.

"As the club's saying goes, 'no guts no glory' and that's what we live by."

The Charity Cup kicks-off at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

n New England Revolution winger Khano Smith is hoping to be past fit for his team's upcoming road trip after dislocating his shoulder during last weekend's match against Chivas.

Smith did not train yesterday but has been receiving treatment on his right shoulder since last Friday night.

The ex-Dandy Town man is awaiting the arrival of a new stabilising brace that will enable him to play against Colorado Rapids on Saturday.

The 29-year-old went off injured after 78 minutes in the Revolution's 2-0 defeat against Chivas, forcing his team to play the remainder of the game with ten men as they had already made three substitutions.