With the weather getting colder, one First Division team has been slowly turning up the heat.

The Red Devils are running hot, just in time for the festive season and have shown themselves as leading contenders for the prestigious Dudley Eve Trophy to be contested during the Christmas recess. At the same time they have placed themselves in great position for the all important second half of the season in the league.

After a slow start to the current campaign, that saw them fail to record a win during their first three outings and only achieve fourth in the Martonmere Cup competition, Village have been on a tear.

They remain the only undefeated side in the First Division and have won all five of their latest matches, including a well-deserved 2-1 triumph over previously unbeaten -- in league play -- Vasco. At present they occupy the number two spot in the league, a mere point behind the once rampant Portuguese club . Village are 5-3-0 for 18 points compared to 6-1-1 and 19 points for Vasco.

Not all of their wins have been pretty, as indicated by Tuesday night's 1-0 triumph over arch-rivals Somerset, but they have been able to find ways to get the job done and their elevated confidence surely spells doom for future opponents.

Village are performing well at both ends of the pitch. Their defence, propped up by top-rated goalkeeper Dwayne Adams and marshalled by veteran centre-back Derek Bell has been nothing short of spectacular, surrendering a league best six goals in eight matches.

Although not as explosive as in days past, the attack has been above average and stands third in goals scored behind Dandy Town, who blossomed to the top of the charts at 23 following Sunday's 13-1 massacre of Somerset Eagles, and Vasco (21).

Sean Dill, despite periods of inconsistency, has emerged as chief poacher and along with Southampton's Janeiro Tucker leads the goal-scoring tables at eight. The ever-reliable Elliott Jennings, while nearing the end of a solid career, has helped with four.

All round there is a fine blend of youth and experience, with Nakia Smith, Jamel Smith, Kuma Smith and Arthur Simons all yet to reach their peak.

However, not ready to get caught up in all the hoopla surrounding their recent successes was first year coach Wendell Baxter, once Bermuda's premier centre-back and former national team player.

Instead, he stood firm, taking nothing for granted and looking no further than the next encounter.

"The word is that we take one game at a time and if we can give 100 percent each game then that should take care of us, instead of setting goals that can get you caught up ahead of yourself,'' said Baxter, who took over the reins from Robert Calderon.

Village have long been regarded as a dominant entity on the local scene, but barren times have gripped the North Shore club in recent years, with their fighting spirit being called into question.

This year so far has seen a more together bunch possessing a wealth of determination and grit.

Asked how such a scenario had come about, Baxter said he and the players had made a conscious effort to create a more united front.

"We sat down and had a meeting where we decided that the one way we were going to be able to compete would be to have more harmony,'' he said. "We've spent a little more time together. We're meeting earlier on Sundays, talking and playing games and basically just enjoying each other's company more.'' Their time certainly appears to have been well spent.

Respect has also been a key ingredient, according to Baxter, flowing both ways, from player to coach and vice-versa.

Still, Baxter admitted it had not been easy dealing with all the egos and the baggage that comes with a group of individuals of varying personalities.

"It still has its trying times, but basically the guys have so far given me respect and I them and we're all working together pretty good.'' Asked to compare having to orchestrate from the sidelines instead of being on the field of play, Baxter said the feeling was very much different going from playing to coaching.

"I think right now the adrenalin is flowing And when I'm coaching it feels good. It's not the same love being on the sidelines, but the adrenalin gets pumped up during games.'' SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION -- Former national team player Wendell Baxter is enjoying a successful season on the sidelines in his debut year as coach of the high-flying Red Devils.