North Village coach Shaun Goater hopes to win the battle of the 'mind-games' when he locks horns with his close friend, and PHC boss, Kyle Lighbourne in tonight's Dudley Eve clash.

Goater met up with Lightbourne for breakfast yesterday and said both coaches were keeping their cards close to their chest, but did admit to throwing his Bermuda Hogges pal a few red herrings.

"Kyle was trying to tell me his team played a different system and I was trying to convince him that Village played a different system," said Goater. "We both had a laugh about it and we're both looking forward to battling it out in opposite dug-outs."

Both teams go into tonight's match at BAA Field in good form with Village fresh off the back of a 8-1 hammering of Hamilton Parish, while Zebras are still unbeaten in all competitions.

And Goater has cranked up the pressure on his former international team-mate by labelling PHC as the favourites for victory.

"PHC are still unbeaten and will be confident of getting a result," he said.

"They've come from behind in a few games this season and that's a sign of a good team. They're well drilled, fit and organised and we know we're in for a tough game."

Goater has blooded a number of youngsters this season with 17-year-old striker Jason Lee outlining his potential with a impressive hat-trick against Hot Peppers at the weekend.

The former Bascome FC rookie also grabbed the winner against Devonshire Colts on the opening day of the season, and Goater has tipped him for international honours.

"Jason's only 17 and is not really aware yet of the pace and power he possesses," he said. "He certainly has a lot of ability and he's a good listener and is keen to improve.

"Some of the older players like Sammy DeGraff (who scored a hat-trick last week against Boulevard in the Dudley Eve) have been very good and talking to him throughout the game and making sure he's getting the right information.

"Jason's certainly player who should be in the national academy set-up."

Village take on PHC at 9 p.m., and Hamilton Parish face Devonshire Cougars at 7 p.m.

Both matches are on the new artificial pitch at BAA.