Devonshire Cougars and PHC Zebras will be looking to close the gap on leaders North Village when they square off in an intriguing Premier Division match-up at Devonshire Recreation Club on Friday.

Both teams come into the match off the back of wins in their previous league outings with Cougars edging out St George’s Colts 2-1, while PHC beat X-Roads 3-1 .

Third-place PHC trail leaders Village by three points with fifth place Cougars a further two points adrift in the standings.

Kwame Steede, the Cougars coach, is approaching the game as any other and does not consider playing at home as an advantage.

“It does not matter being at home,” he said. “PHC have beaten us at the Rec before so I don’t think home field makes a difference. The difference is going to be who wants the game more.

“We’re going to approach it like another game. We are coming to play and PHC is coming to play so nothing is changing Both teams need points if they want to keep up with Village, so we are looking forward to the game.”

Cougars are off to a solid start this season after losing only once in the league and they are through to the Dudley Eve Trophy final, where they will attempt to successfully defend their crown against Somerset Trojans in the final.

Steede attributes his team’s early-season form to a good work-ethic and winning mentality.

“It’s just the work they have been putting in and they are reaping their rewards,” he said.

“A lot of people don’t know that we have been through a few trials and tribulations but we are still pulling it down so I think that’s the mentality of the team. They really want to win.”

Steede reckons the best is yet to come not only from his team but also their rivals.

“We have players to come in so the team can get stronger,” he added. “We are playing a lot of guys out of position so right now it’s just about the balance.

“We have a few players that need to come back into the team from injury so yes we can get better, but I think every team can.”