"Chances are!'' These were the words from Boulevard coach Gary (Tuba) Mallory following his team's 2-0 victory over North Village last night at Somerset Cricket Club that carried them through to the final of the Martonmere Cup.

In reference to the song by the late reggae artist Bob Marley, Mallory paid tribute to the efforts by the Red Devils, who dictated much of the proceedings, but failed to come forth with the goods that might have seen them emerge with a better portion of the "stick''.

However, it was the Blazers that took full advantage of their chances which carried them to a slate in the final.

Heroes on the night were Dwight (Payback) Warren and Kenny Hill -- both scoring in the second half -- but it was the Red Devils' squandering of numerous chances that allowed their opponents the light of day that enabled Boulevard to escape and find a path through to the final.

Not lost was the effort of goalkeeper Lynn Tucker as he, too, played a vital role.

Village started the affair without the services of defender Kentoine Jennings -- a late arrival -- Andrew Bascome and team leader Elliott Jennings, still recovering from a groin injury suffered against Devonshire Colts.

Still this did not inhibit them from controlling much of the game against Boulevard, which -- at least in the first half -- allowed their opposite number to dictate the contest early on and through much of the second half.

Striker Phillip Clarke of Village was an early goat when he muffed a chance after barely seven minutes. The burly striker eluded the offside trap and dribbled toward goalkeeper Lynn Tucker, but lost control under pressure from centre-half Leroy Stevens, allowing Tucker to advance and avert the threat.

The two sides entered the interval level, but Village picked up first afterwards as midfielder Sheldon Franks first struck the cross-bar on a volley from 19 yards and in the 48th minute and was again denied by a fingertip parry by Crockwell of a low stab after riding through two tackles.

Village were made to pay for the numerous miscues as a sudden counter-attack of a Village miss resulted in a score by the Blazers.

Warren was the recipient as he received a pin-point cross from the right by substitute Neil Robinson and fired one time, his shot taking a deflection and leaving Crockwell dumbfounded as the ball caromed into the low left corner.

Village then applied pressure and neared the equaliser, but were floored as the ever-opportunistic Hill was able to glance a header of a left wing cross to seal the deal.

"They came at us, but we absorbed the pressure,'' added Mallory.

"We've achieved one goal. Now we have another mission.'' Boulevard: L.Tucker; A.Caisey, D.Boyles, D.Bell, W.Richardson (N.Robinson 45 mins); G.Smith, V.Eve (A.Brown), C.Caisey; D.Warren; K.Hill, V.Symonds.

North Village: C.Crockwell; W.Augustus, K.Grant, D.Bell, A.Simons; S.Franks, R.Edness, E.Simmons (Ken. Jennings); P.Clarke, K.Jennings, S.Dill.

Referee: Stuart Crockwell.

Men of the match: Lynn Tucker (Boulevard), Sheldon Franks (North Village).

ON THE MONEY -- Dwight Warren made sure Boulevard made a trip to the final.