Cougars: ‘We’ll battle to the end’

Devonshire Cougars and Dandy Town will add fuel to their burgeoning rivalry when they meet this Sunday in the Friendship Trophy quarterfinals. 

“Fans can expect another thrilling match by two teams that love to attack and throw caution to the wind at times,” Cougars coach Dennis Brown told the Bermuda Sun.

The two Digicel Premier Division clubs have played some memorable games recently — the latest being a 3-3 draw last Friday that saw the Cougars fight back from a 3-1 deficit.

Town and the Cougars’ storied history also includes last year’s Friendship Trophy final, a game the Cougars were able win on penalties. 

Town responded by beating the Cougars in this campaign’s  Dudley Eve Trophy final, also on penalties. 

Brown believes focus will be key in the rematch, saying: “We will make minor adjustments, I thought we did what was required of us in the first half [last week].

“But we had a bad 15-minute period right after the half and that is where they scored three goals in that time. 

“We will have to remain focused for longer periods if we are to be successful. 

“I cannot complain about the character that the team showed to claw their way back in the match — that was special for so many reasons.”

Third-place Cougars will need to be on top of their game in order to knock over the Hornets, who have just one league defeat this campaign.

Brown added: “Dandy Town have a quality team and so do we, so in the end if both teams are firing on all cylinders, then this will be a very entertaining match. 

“Even in my playing days, Dandy Town were an opponent that if you came short, they would burn you. 

“The same thing applies with their team today, they possess some good players who can hurt you on any given day.”

The Cougars are ready for what is sure to be another intense encounter.

Brown said: “Every game is crucial but this is a knockout situation and my famous words are ‘if you snooze, you will lose’.

“We must come prepared to battle and battle to the end with a determination to succeed.”