It was a day when Colts threatened to become donkeys.

But a 52nd minute moment of brilliance put a new kick in their youthful stride, and helped them canter to victory.

It came from the tireless Keishon Smith who latched on to a well-floated pass from sweeper Jason Smith.

The gangly striker shielded the ball from Vasco's defence, swivelled and slotted the ball from 10 yards past Vasco 'keeper Timmy Figureido.

As if still gripped by World Cup fever, Keishon Smith then raced to the corner flag, his hands aloft.

It was an exhibition which went down well with the smattering of goal-hungry Colts supporters, who had seen their inexperienced team struggle to find their feet.

And for the fan at Frog Lane with the Bob Marley cassettes, it was a chance to really pump up the volume.

The tempo, however, was soon to die down -- thanks to a storming rear guard action by Vasco and a moment of madness by Colts defender Anthony Wilson.

Wilson was given his marching orders in the 65th minute for a crass, professional foul on Vasco's speed merchant Irving Burgess.

Burgess had outstripped Wilson for pace, and was bearing down on Colts 'keeper Cordell Gilbert when he was stopped in his tracks a few feet outside the penalty area...by some hefty tugs on his shirt.

Referee Rex Osborne had no hesitation in showing the red card.

"Make them pay!'' were the screams from Vasco's bench as Mark Ray, Paul Towlson, and Voorhees Astwood lined up behind the free kick.

It was former Colts player Ray who attempted to do just that, and came agonisingly close. His side-footed shot struck the crossbar, as Gilbert made a despairing lunge.

Vasco were to go close again just moments later -- and from a near identical position.

It was the same trio of Ray, Towlson and Astwood who gathered behind the ball.

This time, however, it was Astwood who fired just wide, his ball grazing Gilbert's left post.

The second half action contrasted starkly with a scrappy first 45 minutes, characterised by woeful shooting.

Devonshire Colts: C.Gilbert; D.Williams, A.Wilson, J.Smith, J.Samuels; C.Caisey (V.Ball, 43 mins), L.Hypolite, R.Holdipp; J.Pace, K.Smith, M.Lewis (C.Smith, 61 mins).

Vasco: T.Figureido; D.Stapley, S.Gibbons, D.Livingston, P.Towlson; W.Kirkpatrick, M.Ray, V.Astwood; F.Simmons (A.Wolffe, 52 mins), I.Burgess, D.Basden (L.Durham, 61 mins).

Referee: Rex Osborne.

Men of the match: Keishon Smith (Colts); Irving Burgess (Vasco).