Devonshire Colts 3Devonshire Colts coach Kieshon Smith was full of praise for his side yesterday after they got their first win of the season over rivals Devonshire Cougars.

Devonshire Cougars 2

Goals from Ryan Tyrell, Bayon Robinson, and Ryan Purnell got Colts their win while Lejuan Simmons and Kwame Steede scored for Cougars in a losing effort.

Colts' victory was their first against their parish rivals in nearly six years, and for Smith, hopefully it is a sign of better things to come.

“We haven't won a derby game in a long time, and this is also our first win so it is a good feeling at the moment to get the three points against our rivals.

“We have been a little bit unfortunate in our results because we have been training and working hard but our results haven't been matching our determination, so for us to come on the road and get a result at Devonshire Rec. is a good thing.”

In less then ideal conditions, it was Cougars who looked as if it would be their day early on, dominating play from the midfield through Chris Caisey and Moses Steede.

Yet, it was Colts who would take the lead in the 21st minute when Tyrell curled his effort inside the back post from just inside the 18-yard box.

Simmons levelled for Cougars in the 31st after he was put through by Caisey and volleyed over Colts ‘keeper Greg Rose and into the far corner

Two minutes later Colts were back on top after Cougars failed to clear a free kick, with the scramble for the ball falling to Robinson who made no mistake from close range to put the visitors back ahead.

Purnell then gave the side a two-goal cushion when he curled a free kick around the Cougars wall and into the back post to hand the visitors real belief in getting a result.

Knowing a second half assault would ensue, Colts defended stoutly but could have been behind in the space of five minutes, only for Steede, Shaki Pearman and Tumaini Steede to blaze their efforts wide of the mark.

Steede then pulled a goal back in the 77th to set up a frantic finish, and substitute Dane Simmons almost grabbed a point for Cougars in the dying stages only to have Robinson slide in to save what would have been certain goal from the striker from six yards out.

For all their endeavour and enterprise, it was a derby win deserved for Colts, who now have inched their way closer those close to them, while Cougars, who were preseason title contenders, are only two points above the drop zone

“We haven't been getting the slice of luck and today it was every player playing for Devonshire Colts, coming out for one goal in these elements and playing some good football.

“As long as the players believe in the coaching staff and the coaches keep trust in the players the only way is up.

“The win is important for us, not only against our rivals, but the fact that it was another game on the road and we haven't had a home match yet so we needed to start making our way into the winners column.

“It was important to get some type of points because we will have so many home games in the second half, so the little bit of luck we got today hopefully swings things in our favour.”

Devonshire Colts: G Rose, D Williams, C Durham, B Robinson, M Burch, L Symonds, E Wilkin, R Purnell, M Pace (K Jones,47), D Washington (Q Hunt,83), R Tyrell (C Trott, 90)

Goals: R Tyrell (21), B Robinson (33), R Purnell (39)

Devonshire Cougars: R Brangman, J Butterfield, K Franks, K Tucker, T White, M Steede (D Simmons,84), T Steede, L Simmons (S Pearman, 57), C Caisey, D Coddington, J Smith (K Steede, 53). Subs not used: D Daniels

Yellow :K Franks, T Steede

Goals: L Simmons (31), K Steede (77)

Referee: R.Cann

Man of the Match: B Robinson