PHC Zebras will attempt to clear the next hurdle in defence of their Friendship Trophy title when they face Paget Lions for the second time in eight days in the quarter final of the competition at Somerset Cricket Club tonight (9pm).

Zebras claimed a record thirteenth title after edging North Village 1-0 on a second half penalty from captain Marco Warren in last season’s final at the same venue in January.

Captain Daren Usher believes his team are more than equipped to retain their title, but is adamant they are not looking past tonight’s opponents, who they defeated 2-0 in the Premier Division at PHC Field on December 8.

“I believe we are very much capable of retaining the title but we have Paget in our way first, and we have to take it one game at a time,” Usher told The Royal Gazette.

“Paget is a team you cannot underestimate. They have a lot of experience in their squad and, knowing Antwan Russell [Paget player-coach], he is telling his players that this is a one and done match so they have to leave it all out there this game, and I expect it to be a high intensity match.”

The holders will have to make at least one change to their starting line-up as defender Diondre Dowling has been ruled out through suspension after being sent off in his team’s previous outing.

Usher says the coaching staff have plenty of options to fill the void.

“We have a few possibilities to fill the spot for Diondre this game,” he added. “We have a few youngsters who can fill that position, and we also have players like myself and De-Aun Lodge who have filled that position as well this season.”

Midfielder T’syi Showers appears set to rejoin the squad after missing the previous match with Paget through injury.

“T’syi has looked good in training this week so I expect him to be back into the team this game,” Usher said.

“The vibe in training this week has been good. Everyone seems to be in a good space and ready to get going.”

Usher also reflected on the club playing in honour of their late captain Warren, who would have celebrated his 30th birthday last Wednesday.

“Celebrating Marco’s birthday without him definitely was not easy,” Usher said. “It’s still difficult times for PHC and the island, but every day we push ourselves harder in honour of him.”

Paget coach Russell, a cousin of Warren’s, says his team is up for the task.

“I believe for certain we are up for the challenge,” he added. “We think from the last game we match up evenly, just got to put the work in.”

Tonight’s Friendship Trophy clash will be preceded by the First Division Shield quarter-final pitting St David's Warriors against Southampton Rangers (6.30pm).

Friendship Trophy quarter-final action continues tomorrow with last year’s runners-up Village taking on Devonshire Cougars at Goose Gosling Field (7pm) in a repeat of last month’s Dudley Eve Trophy final, which the former won 1-0.

That match will follow on the heels of the First Division Shield quarter-final contest featuring Somerset Eagles and Wolves (4.30pm).

The remaining Friendship Trophy quarter-final will see St George’s Colts do battle with Hamilton Parish at Lord’s in St David’s (2.30pm).

Even though his team are favourites and are on a four-game winning streak, Parish coach Sergio Goater is not taking the opponent for granted.

“A dangerous opponent who haven’t won in four games, so they will be looking to bounce back,” he said. “However, we are definitely up for it. It’s a piece of silverware.”

St George’s coach Jarreau Hayward says his team is looking forward to the challenge and will have to play to their full potential if they are to keep their cup hopes alive.

“Hamilton Parish are in a great run of form so we will have to be at our best,” he added.

“We are all looking forward to the game and are excited at the opportunity to play in a quarter final. It's an opportunity for us to take a step forward.”

Unbeaten Devonshire Colts and fellow promotion contenders Robin Hood will kick things off at Lord’s when they square off in the remaining First Division Shield quarter-final (noon).

A new Shield champion will be crowned as previous winners Paget were promoted last season.