This much delayed Friendship Trophy quarter-final between Somerset and North Village finally happened last night and while not exactly worth the wait, at least one semi-final place was determined.

Somerset seized the chance to move within a victory of reaching the last two, while Village lost out on possibly their last chance of grabbing a piece of silverware for the 1994-95 season.

Under frigid conditions at BAA Field, where temperatures hovered around the 50 degree mark, the two sides struggled to come to grips with a soggy pitch not conducive to attractive soccer, much to the chagrin of a scant crowd who braved the elements.

Each half took on entirely different appearances, as Somerset controlled much of the first while Village -- mostly in desperation -- ruled the second period.

Still, goals win matches and in that category the Trojans were unmatched and in the end a well taken eighth minute strike from Somerset defender Duane DeRosa settled the affair.

A free kick was won by the Trojans near the edge of the Red Devils' penalty area. And while DeRosa had his initial drive blocked, the ball rebounded perfectly and he made no mistake with his second attempt driving a half-volley into the top left corner past a helpless Carlyle Crockwell in goal.

This was followed up by skipper Reggie Tucker skimming a volley from Jerry Webb's corner over the crossbar in the 12th minute.

Village, though, had a chance go begging in the 22nd minute when midfielder Sheldon Franks missed a sitter, side-footing the ball over the top from just eight yards after Jermaine Burrows failed to clear a long ball forward.

Seemingly content to rest on their advantage, Somerset were almost made to pay for their lackadaisical approach in the second half as the Red Devils attacked at will.

Nakia Smith shone brightly in midfield and was able to rifle a few shots on target that Somerset 'keeper Andre Hendrickson had to be alert to keep from crossing the goal-line.

However, Smith's direction was unmatched my the majority of his team-mates, which left them on the losing end.

Village now have only the league left to challenge for, having been eliminated from all other competitions.

North Village: C.Crockwell; K.Simons (M.Hansey 36 mins), K.Grant, D.Bell, I.Romaine; C.Sabir (C.Furbert 23 mins), E.Jennings, S.Franks, N.Smith; S.Dill, D.Robinson Somerset: A.Hendrickson; A.Burchall, B.Simons, J.Burrows, D.DeRosa,.Butterfield; A.Rahman, R.Tucker, R.Simmons; J.Webb, R.Bascome Referee: Peter Sousa Men of the match: Nakia Smith (North Village), Jermaine Burrows (Somerset)