Devonshire Colts 2 Somerset Eagles 1

Devonshire Colts not only took over sole possession of first place in the Premier Division but are now also the only unbeaten team after three league games following a late winner at White Hill Field yesterday.

Going into the match Colts were locked on four points with Devonshire Cougars and Somerset Trojans, but losses by both enabled Colts to move into the top spot, a point ahead of Dandy Town who jumped from fifth to second.

This match went from high expectations after a bright opening 10 minutes to one in which a tame draw looked the obvious outcome late in the match, before Aljame Zuill struck his second goal six minutes from the end to earn Colts all three points.

However, Colts did not have things their own way as Eagles, fresh from their win over Dandy Town last weekend, were still fluttering their wings.

They gave a glimpse of things to come as early as the third minute when midfielder Marco Butterfield raced through on the right side and brought Cymande Davis into the game as the Colts `keeper had to parry his cross which was intended for the far post.

Two minutes later Eagles broke the deadlock with a similar move down the right. This time Lamaul Crofton's low cross reached Rodre (Piper) Wilson at the far post and he tapped home past Davis.

Colts only had to wait three minutes for the equaliser when Zuill converted an eighth-minute penalty, getting up and taking the spot kick himself after he was fouled by Musceo Hunt. Davis produced a good save to deny Sean Simmons from a free kick midway through the first half as Eagles continued to hold their own.

Colts had a good period of possession after the restart without putting Adrian Burrows in the Eagles goal to the test. They added fresh legs to their attack by bringing on Lloyd Holder for Jamel (Mouse) Smith in the 53rd minute but Eagles continued to defend well.

It was during that period when Eagles came within inches of reclaiming the lead as Darren Dowling's chance on the hour beat the advancing Davis only to see the ball come back off the inside of the far post just as Dowling was about to celebrate. Colts' defence recovered quickly to clear the danger.

Late in the half Colts players began arguing as Zuill was the subject of ridicule from his team-mates after giving the ball away in one attacking move. Both teams began to look short on ideas and seemed content with a share of the points as the heat began to have some effect.

However, with Eagles starting to tire late in the game, Zuill saved face with a well taken goal in the 84th minute.

Eagles lost possession on the left side and Colts penetrated their defence with Lloyd Holder's pass finding Zuill who raced through and drove a low shot under the body of Burrows.

Colts: C.Davis; M.Hollis, Jermaine Belboda (S.Waldron 71 mins), Jermel Belboda, J.Simmons, K.Simpson, S.Mendes, P.Sampson, J.Francis (A.Thomas 64 mins), J.Smith (L.Holder 53 mins), A.Zuill.

Eagles: A.Burrows; A.Lambert, M.Hunt, D.Burgess, M.Dill (J.Smith 70 mins), K.Simmons, M.Butterfield, S.Simmons, L.Crofton (S.Morrissey 85 mins), R.Wilson, D.Dowling (S.Dill 64 mins).

Booked: J.Smith, K.Simpson (Colts).

Men of the match: A.Zuill (Colts), S.Simmons (Eagles).

Referee: George O'Brien.