Kameron Fox, the BAA assistant coach, believes a victory in the First Division Shield against X-Roads Warriors on New Year’s Day can act as a catalyst in their promotion bid.

Despite finishing with 13 successive wins, BAA missed out on promotion by one point last season as Boulevard, the title winners, and Devonshire Colts secured the top-two spots on the final day.

BAA started this campaign as one of the title contenders but made a sluggish start with defeats to X-Roads and leaders Somerset Eagles, leaving them eight points adrift of the top but with two games in hand.

Fox, who will again take charge of BAA in the absence of head coach Kenny Thompson, said a win over X-Roads could be just the tonic to kick-start the side’s league campaign.

“We need to take our losses in the league and move on from them,” said Fox, whose side thrashed St George’s Colts 4-0 in the Shield Trophy semi-final at PHC Field at the weekend.

“We have a lot of young players and they will make mistakes. But we’ve got older guys like Troy Tucker and other senior players who can help guide the younger ones.

“I hope we can kick on for the second half of the season and push on in the league.”

Fox expects a tough encounter against X-Roads, who earned a thrilling 4-3 win in extra time against Young Men’s Social Club at Bernard Park on Boxing day.

It was the same scoreline as X-Roads’ victory over BAA in last month’s league match at Somerset Cricket Club, the venue of the Shield Trophy final, and could perhaps give coach Farid El Karfa’s side the physiological advantage.

“X-Roads are a never-say-die team and have beat some of the teams in their last few games,” Fox said. “I will make sure my boys are ready to go.”

Fox suffered relegation as head coach of St George’s last season but said he had learned plenty since working as Thompson’s assistant at Goose Gosling Field.

“I’ve really enjoyed working under Kenny,” he said. “It’s a pleasure to be at BAA and I’m learning a lot. I get to coach some really good players.”

The New Year’s Day final between BAA and X-Roads kicks off at 2pm, followed by the Friendship Trophy final, pitting PHC Zebras against Somerset Cricket Club at 4pm. Both games will be held at Somerset Cricket Club.

In a postponed match from December 6, BAA will play Social Club in the First Division at Goose Gosling Field at 7pm on Tuesday, January 5.

Meanwhile, Dandy Town Hornets and Devonshire Colts’ Premier Division match, postponed from December 6, will be played at St John’s Field on Sunday at 3pm.