Dennis Brown, the Devonshire Cougars coach, is adamant his side’s festive layoff will have no bearing on their Friendship Trophy semi-final against Hamilton Parish at Goose Gosling Field tonight.

Cougars have enjoyed an 11-day break since their last match, a 1-0 win over Dandy Town in the quarter-finals, but that does not concern Brown.

“We aren’t concerned with anything else apart from the match come Friday,” Brown said. “It is never an advantage when you look past an opponent, in any division or competition.

“We have to focus on the moment and that is Hamilton Parish.”

Cougars hit five goals past a disorganised Parish side in their Premier Division match on November 22 at Devonshire Recreation Club, a game that saw Parish pay the price for some sloppy defending.

Drewonde Bascome, the Cougars midfielder, led the charge with a goal either side of the interval.

Mark Steede, Domico Coddington and substitute Kenneth DeSilva were also on target for Cougars, while Ian Coke netted a late consolation for Parish.

Cougars will be buoyed by that result, and their previous two matches in this competition: both 1-0 wins over North Village and Dandy Town.

And Brown believes he will have no trouble motivating his players for the match.

“The mood is excellent going into the match with both the senior team and PDL advancing over the holiday, so competition for places is very healthy,” Brown added.

“As a coach, you can see when your players are focused and when they are not. So like I said, I am encouraged from what I have seen thus far.”

Kieshon Smith, the Hamilton Parish coach, insists his side will gain valuable experience regardless of tonight’s result.

Smith believes his team, who gaining promotion to the top-flight last season, will relish being part of a cup semi-final.

“We didn’t concern ourselves with who we wanted or who we were trying to avoid,” he said. “There are four teams left and only one can win [the title], so we have to go out on the day and leave it out on the field,” Smith said.

“Any team would like to be were we are, to be playing in the semi-finals over the festive period in front of big crowds, it’s something every player wants to be apart of.

“[Cougars] are probably the best team to play. We have a young side and they are the triple crown champions, so in order to be the best you must beat the best.”

Parish reached the last four by beating Southampton Rangers 3-1. Shakeem Albuoy netted a goal either side of the interval, before substitute Donavan Thompson grabbed the side’s third. Janeiro Tucker scored for Rangers.

Cougars, on the other hand, had to go through the preliminary rounds, and beat two perennial title contenders on their way. Placing the pressure squarely at the feet of Cougars, Smith is prepared for what should be a entertaining match.

“We got the defending champions, we have nothing but respect for them and what they have done in recent years and it will fascinating to see how the match plays out.” he added.

“There won’t be any pressure on us, we weren’t expected to be were we are now, but it’s a cup competition and anything can happen on the day.

“There can’t be a fear factor on our part, and win or lose this run has helped us grow as a team and given the younger players a chance to gain some valuable experience.”

Boulevard and Devonshire Colts meet in the opening match of the evening, the First Division Shield semi- final at 7pm at Goose Gosling Field. Cougars against Parish kicks off at 9pm.