The Shield curtain raiser between Vasco and BAA was not a pretty sight last night, however the Green Knight found a lot of beauty in a 1-0 victory over their highly fancied opponents.

Quite a rivalry has been built up between the two sides over the years and it is no secret that they detest each other.

That BAA, second from bottom in the standings, have been able to get by both promoted teams on their way to the final says something about their determination to salvage something from what has been an otherwise disappointed season for them.

Vasco entered the game looking to get a chance at capturing the Shield and League double only to leave a dejected bunch, wondering how they had allowed themselves to be beaten by a side obviously not their match talent-wise.

BAA owed their celebrations to veteran striker Dennis Davis, who once again provided the dramatics with a well executed goal 13 minutes into the first half. It was his goal that knocked out Rangers three weeks ago.

Ten yards from goal and with Karl Roberts drapped on his back, Davis somehow managed to turn and fire from an angle on the left totally catching goalkeeper Gerald Sims off guard as the ball dipped into the far corner.

Anthony Bailey almost pulled this goal back for Vasco two minutes later when he watched as his header crashed against the upright following a cross from Earl Richardson.

Vasco began to pile on the pressure heading to the interval but the BAA defence marshalled by Anthony Stoneham held firm in the face of adversity.

The second half was more of the same with Vasco pinning their opponents in defence, but unable to find any cracks that would have given them a second life.

Frustration set in as time dwindled away and the Vasco players began to bicker amongst themselves over the chances which had been missed.