It’s double-trouble for HFX Wanderers FC in Prince Edward Island.

Fresh off facing 2019 CPL champions Forge FC, Stephen Hart’s side now takes on league-leaders Cavalry FC on Sunday.

It’s a brutal back-to-back series at The Island Game that, so far, the Wanderers have handled with grace. The Haligonians are coming off an impressive 1-1 result against Forge and, while out-chanced by the reigning champions, the Wanderers held their own for considerable swathes of the game.

“I thought the second half against Forge was more what we’ve been working on – more of the things we’ve been stressing to them,” Hart offered. “But there’s always a lot to work on with a new squad.”

A moment of brilliance between Alex Marshall and Akeem Garcia finally unlocked Forge. Marshall, a Jamaican international, was on the pitch for mere moments before delivering that killer ball, exhibiting the type of freedom in the final third that Hart wants to see.

“I’d like to see players play with a bit more confidence in their own abilities, especially in the attacking third, but that’s directly associated with playing a lot. I would like them to accept the responsibility, take the risk, and make things happen. We are seeing a bit of it,” he said.

RELATED READING: Disciplined, new-look Wanderers take Forge to task at The Island Games

The Cavs, meanwhile, promise an even more formidable challenge. On seven points from three matches, Tommy Wheeldon Jr.’s team appears unaffected by the CPL’s unusual pre-season, most recently beating Valour FC and FC Edmonton.

“They are a team that will always be difficult to play against – they play a very direct style of play, very good at recovering the second balls,” Hart said.

“And when they drive you back and get the space they can keep it on the floor. They are a team that constantly has you under pressure. Even when you get into a rhythm their pressing game is meant to disrupt that.”

HFX was on the receiving end of a controversial penalty call against Forge, something Hart said distracted his side at crucial times.

“Also, at times, I’d like them to stop worrying about the calls of officials and focus on getting back and staying organized,” Hart admitted.

“You have to be concentrated for the entire game, especially against Cavalry.”

A total of 18 Wanderers have taken the pitch in PEI, with Hart making great use of CPL’s five-substitutions rule.

Nova Scotia youngsters Luke Green and Scott Firth are the only outfield players yet to see the field. Hart says their time will come.

RELATED READING: Wanderers go stride-for-stride with Forge in entertaining draw at Island Games

“Every time we’ve made a substitution, they’ve added to the game,” Hart said.

“We’ve looked different, too. It provides us with that extra flexibility – no player is different.”

The Wanderers’ tilt with Cavalry was moved to the evening by the CPL so it doesn’t conflict with the UEFA Champions League final, which will feature Canadian and Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies. Sunday is the first time a Canadian men’s national team player will feature in the Champions League final.

Back in PEI, Hart, the former Canadian men’s coach, said he will “carve out some time” to watch the 19-year-old’s match.

“One of our largest prospects in years and he’s having a fantastic go at it and I’m very happy to see it,” Hart stated.

“It all shines a very big light on Canadian players. It’s an exciting time and I’m excited to watch it.”