What a difference a couple of results can make.

After going winless for six matches, Devonshire Colts recorded their first victory against Commercial League outfit Key West Rangers on November 27 in the FA Cup.

Miguel Cabral, one of several promising youngsters in team, netted right on the hour to earn the Orangemen a hard-fought triumph.

Then last weekend Colts picked up a first league win since returning to the Premier Division at the start of the season against hapless Ireland Rangers.

But while Colts vice-president and senior Bermuda Football Association executive Lee Holder is pleased to see his team's fortunes turn for the better, he's taking more pleasure in the club's steady growth and the players' belief in each other.

"We realise this wasn't the FA Cup championship but it was very important for us to pick up our first points of the season. Now we can now look and see where we can climb because Boulevard are only a game ahead of us," noted Holder.

"And there is definitely something in the air . . . you can feel it. We have a very young team that is continually growing and the ability is there. But what's really growing is their belief in themselves and the camaraderie amongst them.

"The team have actually drawn closer together and they now realise they are not too far off in terms of competing with the big boys. So they have turned up the intensity and are now pulling for each other in the knowledge that success breeds success."

Holder has experienced first hand in training this week the positive vibe and enthusiasm that has rekindled the flame on a Colts side blended with the experience of Shannon Burgess, Mackonnen Hollis and Kevin Bean and the youthfulness of Terry Foote, Ryan Purnell, Cabral, Jordan Commissiong and Shane Dietz.

"I actually observed a few faces that haven't been so diligent about training and they were very enthusiastic," he continued. "And I think all of this has translated into better results on the field."

But success, Holder insisted, has never been far off.

Colts lost to the might of Devonshire Cougars, Dandy Town and Somerset Trojans all by the odd goal, lending further proof that the glory days could be just around the corner.

Colts won last year's First Division Champions Cup competition en route to gaining promotion.

Holder added: "These wins might have been a long time in coming but the signs have long been there because we actually led Town 2-0 and I really believe we lost that match through inexperience more than anything else.

"Even on Sunday we showed signs of inexperience and should have really punished Ireland Rangers. But I must give credit to Ricky Tucker's heroics in goal . . . he was just phenomenal."

So what is Colts main priority?

Survival in the top tier, according to Holder.

"If you want to become the best then you must play amongst the best and so our goal is to remain in the Premier Division," he added. "And we do feel we have the ability to make the statement that we belong and can remain playing in the top tier.

"So obviously survival is our first priority and if we can survive then it will only hasten our players' development playing at the top level. And from this point on we are going to fight very, very hard. Our guys never put their heads down, the coaches just won't allow this attitude.

"I've observed a commitment and maturity in the team and also how our senior players have stepped up along with some of the younger players. Some of better performances on the field are actually from among our younger players.

"And our coaches (Ray Jones and James Tweed) have also increased their commitment with the team and I really have to commend them for their efforts and hard work."