Devonshire Colts 2 Somerset Trojans 1

A late penalty by Karl Roberts made the final score look close but in reality the visiting Trojans rarely appeared capable of winning this Premier Division clash at White Hill Field yesterday.

Somerset fought back in the second half after falling behind 2-0 before the interval, but time and again they were frustrated by an inept attack that lost possession when entering the box.

Trojans now find themselves hovering second from the bottom of the table, just two points ahead of last placed St. George's.

Colts winger Quincy Aberdeen made his side tick, creating openings galore with fine dribbling and angling several shots at goalkeeper Timmy Figureido. The lively forward created the first goal after 12 minutes, quickly moving down the flank and crossing for Lloyd Holdipp to whip the ball home from 12 yards.

That strike made it hard for Trojans to settle down but they showed signs of finding their touch when Marvin Belboda anged a shot at Kevin Bean after 24 minutes and then put similar shot wide of the woodwork.

Then Colts were gifted second goal after 35 minutes when skipper and centreback Richard Scott lost possession just outside the box and allowed the grateful Quincy Aberdeen to collect the ball, race forward and slot into goal from close range.

Scott and Belboda got involved in an ugly shoving contest afterwards but the differences between team-mates was quickly settled.

Somerset were unlucky just before the half with Belboda beating two defenders only to delay his shot when well placed, allowing goalkeeper Bean to dive to his feet and gain possession.

The second half clearly belong to the Trojans who appeared inspired by a pep talk from coach Mark Trott during the interval. They pushed forward for the entire half but seemingly refused to shoot at goal when in range.

Russell and Dwight Basden were particularly effective running down the right flank while Belboda tore holes in the defence with some fine dribbling down the left, but the trio were also guilty of holding onto the ball too long and were often robbed by defenders.

Belboda, however, had the best scoring chance after 54 minutes when his fierce header from a Basden cross was smartly tipped around the post by Bean.

Colts accomplished little up front, their lone effort being a hard, angled shot from Quincy Aberdeen that Figureido did well to save.

Somerset really applied the pressure during the last 15 minutes and the Colts defence had to scramble away numerous balls into the area.

Then referee George O'Brien generously awarded a penalty after McKonnen Hollis allegedly fouled Belboda. Roberts converted the spot kick to give them a goal they deserved for their second half fightback.

Devonshire Colts: K.Bean; Jermal Belboda, S.Burgess, M.Hollis; K.Burchall, R.Douglas, J.Dill, K.Smith; Q.Aberdeen (D.Zuill, 75 mins), J.Aberdeen, L.Holdipp (C.Hill, 60 mins). Booked: Douglas.

Somerset: T.Figureido; A.Rahman, R.Simmons, R.Scott, O.Shakir; K.Roberts, S.Ming (M.Brangman, 85 mins), D.Lawler (K.Tucker, 65 mins); T.Russell, D.Basden (D.Stovell, 65 mins), M.Belboda. Booked: Belboda.

Referee: G.O'Brien

Men of the Match: Quincy Aberdeen (Colts); Karl Roberts (Trojans).