Premier Division rivals Robin Hood and Southampton Rangers will lock horns in an intriguing Friendship Trophy semi-final match-up at Wellington Oval on Boxing Day.

Hood are going into the cup-tie with a psychological advantage having won the previous encounter between the two sides 3-0 in the league at Southampton Oval on November 3.

John Barry Nusum’s team advanced to the last four in the competition after beating champions PHC Zebras 3-1 in the quarter-finals at PHC Field on December 8.

Hood are gunning for their second straight cup final appearance this season, having suffered a 5-2 defeat by Dandy Town in the Dudley Eve Trophy final last month.

They will also be looking to get back to winning ways, having been held to 1-1 draw at home to Somerset Eagles in the league in their previous outing on December 15.

On the flip side of the coin, Rangers are going into the match on a three-game losing skid, which began with their home league defeat against Hood.

However, Jomar Wilkinson’s team cannot be taken for granted as they can be a handful in cup competitions as their track record in recent years suggests.

Rangers have lifted the Friendship Trophy on three occasions while Hood lost 4-3 against Town in their only appearance in the final to date, but were awarded the title after it was discovered that their opponents had fielded an ineligible player.

Thursday’s semi-final at Wellington Oval kicks off at 2.30pm.

In the event of the teams being tied at the end of regulation time, 30 minutes extra time will be played.

If there is no winner after extra time, the game will be decided by kicks from the penalty spot.

The eventual winner between Hood and Rangers will meet Devonshire Cougars in the final at Somerset Cricket Club on New Year’s Day.

Vance Brown’s Cougars side beat Somerset Eagles 2-0 in the first semi-final at PHC Field at the weekend.

The day’s festivities begin with Devonshire Colts against St David’s Warriors in the second First Division Shield semi-final kicking off at 12pm.

Colts sealed their progression in the last four by beating St George’s 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their quarter-final at Devonshire Rec, while St David’s edged Wolves 1-0 at Southampton Oval.

Colts will go into the match as favourites, sitting second in the table, while St David’s sit six points adrift in sixth.

However, they will take confidence from the 1-1 draw between the sides in their previous league meeting in November.

The winners will meet Flanagan’s Onions in the final at Somerset Cricket Club on New Year’s Day.