The Hornets are back...at least for the moment! Dandy Town last night silenced the chorus of critics announcing them as a team of the past as they produced a show of fine, flowing soccer that proved too much for an injury ravaged North Village outfit appearing totally uninspired for one seeking a berth in a final.

In the end two goals in the first half by Darron Simons and Kurt Martin at Somerset Cricket Club proved enough to earn Town a place alongside Vasco in the two leg final of the Dudley Eve Trophy, commencing tomorrow night.

Town were apparently upset by a Thursday story appearing in The Royal Gazette which painted them as decided "underdogs''. Thus inspired, the men from St.

John's Road set about the task of dispatching their supposed superiors in exquisite fashion.

It took but eight minutes for Town to announce their intentions, much to the chagrin of the Red Devils and their faithful following, as Simons struck the first blow.

The chance was created by the speed of midfielder Troy Lewis. He easily out paced left-back Kevin Grant during a purposeful run along the left to the goal-line that saw him square the ball to a waiting Simons, who struck a sweetly timed, right footed volley from six yards that ripped into the back of the net past a helpless Dwayne Adams in goal.

Simons had a chance to place his team further ahead in the 24th minute, finding himself all alone with Adams after a defensive blunder, but with goal beckoning Simons' unselfishness cost Town as his pass to team-mate Ascento Russell was cleared. Simons was himself hurt on the move and stretchered off, to be replaced by Nathan Webb.

Village had their moments too in the opening stanza, Sean Dill missing a sitter in the 31st minute, combining on a delicate one-two with Rahji Edness in heavy traffic but then somehow planting his effort from a mere six yards wide of the target.

Martin made his opponents pay for such ineptitude five minutes from the interval with a header that squeezed home beyond a maze of defenders. Ascento Russell floated in a free kick from deep on the right inside Village territory that was first headed toward goal by Khari Sharrieff but cleared as far as team-mate Webb, who watched his firm drive rebound off the upright for Martin to score with the third attempt.

The second half replayed the first -- without the goals. Dill missed drawing Village to within a goal when he missed an 86th minute penalty, but by then they were already a beaten bunch.

Town coach Devarr Boyles was proud of the work of his much maligned troops afterwards, saying: "In times of comfort, in times of reward anybody can stand up, but in times of controversy and confusion there lies the true test of character...when true team spirit and character comes out.

"We hung tough and came together and are now able to reap the reward.'' Dandy Town: C.Davis; W.Rudo, P.Douglas, D.Sharrieff (D.Lewis 57 mins), A.Wilson; L.Furbert, K.Martin, A.Russell, T.Lewis; D.Simons (N.Webb 26 mins), K.Sharrieff (M.Wells 77 mins).

North Village: D.Adams (N.Steede 83 mins); W.Bassett (D.Wade 45 mins), D.Bell, M.Hansey, K.Grant; K.Binns, K.Smith, L.Raynor; R.Edness, N.Smith (Q.Paynter 54 mins), S.Dill.

Men of the match: Lionel Furbert (Dandy Town), Kuma Smith (North Village).

Referee: Stuart Crockwell.

St. David's 1 PHC 1 (St. David's won 4-3 on penalties) St. David's earned the first berth in the final of the junior Premier Shell Shield Cup following a tense penalty shoot-out at Somerset Cricket Club last night.

The Islanders took the lead in the first half through a 32nd minute Jawan Thomas strike, only to have the young Zebras respond in the final period through Blenn Bean after 69 minutes.

Play fluctuated after that with St. David's appearing sharper and more determined to find a winner, but PHC able to hang in and threaten through infrequent counter attacks.

In the end penalties proved the ultimate decider as Worrell Bean, Chea Simmons, Sergio Goater and Otis Minors all tucked away their spot kicks, while only Omar Shakir, Blenn Bean and Jamal Robinson were able to connect for PHC.