Carlos Smith kept alive Dandy Town's hopes of winning at least one title this season when he netted twice last night to lead them to victory over St.

David's in this Friendship Trophy semi-final.

Not even the appearance of cricket discard Lionel Cann from the substitute's bench after 53 minutes could help the East Enders brush aside their heavily favoured opponents on a chilly night at BAA Field.

Cann, creating space and showing no signs of the leg ailment that caused him to be dropped from Bermuda's ICC Trophy touring party, was in position to score with his team trailing 3-1 after 87 minutes, but he hurried a fierce drive over from 15 yards.

But there were no finishing flaws in Carlos Smith's game. He gave Town a 2-1 lead after 52 minutes with a brilliant effort, collecting a ball from his defence and striking home a vicious shot on the turn from outside the box.

Then he made it 3-1 after 86 minutes when he scored from close range after striker Darron Simons had created the opening with a fine move down the left flank.

But Town had to fight hard for this victory, especially after St. David's matched them throughout the first half -- a period when Town were often out-hustled by their speedy opponents.

St. David's stunned Town after 19 minutes when striker Tyrone Weeks scored with a hard drive from outside the penalty box.

Weeks collected a ball from midfield and fired it home on the turn as defenders moved in to challenge.

Town struggled to find their touch but eventually equalised after 37 minutes, thanks to an own goal off the back off goalkeeper Kuhn Evans after a defender had attempted to clear following a goalmouth scramble.

It wasn't a great goal, but it brought Town back into the game with momentum after the interval.

When Smith put them ahead after 52 minutes St. David's lost much of the fight they had shown earlier.

Smith and Reggie Tucker fired long-range shots inches over the bar after 61 and 67 minutes as Town threatened for a third goal.

When Smith finally made it 3-1, it marked the end of St. David's' attempt to beat Town for a second time this season, having done so in a previous First Division match at St. John's Field.

Dandy Town: C.Davis; L.Christopher, W.Rudo, M.Lowe, L.Furbert; R.Tucker, K.Butterfield, S.Tuzo (G.Wilson, 72 mins), D.Boyles; C.Smith, D.Simons St. David's: K.Evans; J.Thomas, T.Outerbridge, A.Tyrrell, G.Foggo; P.White, S.Pitcher, K.Jennings; S.Goater, T.Weeks (L.Cann, 53 mins), O.Minors Referee: Lyndon Raynor Men of the match: Carlos Smith (Town); Patrick White (St. David's)