Despite finishing with just nine men after Gerald Bean and Jermain Belboda were both sent off, Devonshire Colts made Dandy Town fight every inch of the way for victory in this Martonmere Cup clash at BAA last night.

Midfielder Bean was ejected by referee Richard Knight for foul language after just eight minutes while left full back Belboda got his marching orders for a second foul after 78 minutes.

But Charity Cup champions Colts played well, holding their opponents scoreless in the first half with Town failing to break through a composed defence marshalled by centre-back and skipper Shannon Burgess.

Six minutes after the interval Seyoum Tuzo got what proved to be the clincher, striking home a fierce shot from an angle 16 yards out on the right that gave Hall no chance.

Town, however, were unable to build on this lead and surprisingly allowed their opponents to claw their way back into contention.

Colts stunned Town after 67 minutes when substitute Tito Smith thundered a 15 yarder that Lightbourne pushed for a corner, and skipper Burgess headed the resulting kick inches wide.

Town held territorial advantage for the rest of the game, but Colts always threatened with counter attacks.

The final whistle came with Town on a rampage, Hall diving full length to save a blast from Ming and striker Simons putting a shot right at the advancing goalkeeper which was cleared.

Dandy Town: A.Lightbourne; N.Paynter, D.Outerbridge (W.Place, 69 mins), A.Wilson; P.Douglas (R.Tucker, 58 mins), D.Boyles (T.Lewis, 30 mins), S.Tuzo, P.Cann, D.Ming; C.Smith, D.Simons.

Dev. Colts: T.Hall; Jermal Belboda (P.Hollis, 65 mins), M.Hollis, S.Burgess, Jermain Belboda; Jah. Samuels, V.Ball, G.Bean; K.Lawrence (T.Smith, 55 mins), K.Smith (D.Ming, 83 mins), M.Ray Referee: R.Knight Men of the match: Carlos Smith (Town); Shannon Burgess (Colts)