Dandy Town 2 Devonshire Colts 2 Dandy Town maintained their charge for the Coca Cola First Division title yesterday, but saved their heroics until late as an injury time equaliser by Troy Lewis earned a draw against Devonshire Colts, keeping the Hornets atop the standings.

The draw by Town combined with a similar result for closest challengers Somerset left the former with a one point advantage as both head into what promises to be an intriguing late season stretch.

Three matches remain for each, including a head to head clash on March 12 at St.John's Field, which could all but decide the championship.

Still, Town have only themselves to blame for not extending their lead over their West End rivals as they wasted numerous opportunities in the first half to seal the match.

From the start Colts were no match for the reigning champions as Town dominated every aspect, appearing fitter, stronger and more goal hungry.

Colts were never allowed a moment's time on the ball and spent much of the opening half defending against a relentless Town attack led by the front-line trio of Carlos Smith, Darron Simons and Kris Martin.

All three played a part as Town inevitably opened the scoring, with Simons there to apply the finishing touches in the 12th minute.

Smith created the chance, picking up a loose ball on the right side before beating a defender and crossing toward the far post for Martin who nudged the ball on to Simons situated inside the six-yard box. Simons made no mistake, controlling before firing in off the left upright, much to goalkeeper Randy Darrell's amazement.

The torment continued for the visitors as Town marched forward at will, keeping Darrell and his defence busy.

In the 29th minute left-back Walter Musson, who caused problems with his overlapping runs, served up a golden chance for Martin as he split the defence with a cross-field pass that found Martin unmarked 18 yards from goal. But the striker failed to uphold his end, slicing the shot wide.

More anxious moments followed. A right-wing corner by Musson caused a goal-mouth scramble resulting in the ball falling at the feet of Simons, but a bobble allowed Jay Bean to recover and clear, averting further damage.

It was not until the 34th minute that Colts were able to penetrate a solid Town defence.

Marvin Lewis was allowed to run free along the left flank and send in a cross to the middle that called for a spectacular diving header from Weldon, which sailed agonisingly wide.

Town responded with a near miss of their own as Pernell Douglas rose high at the far post to connect on yet another Musson corner, but his effort too was slightly off target.

The home side were made to pay for their apathy in front of goal as Colts equalised four minutes from the interval.

Lewis was again involved as he was adjudged by referee Roddy Burchall to have been fouled inside the area, although to most observers it appeared as if Lewis had taken a `dive'.

Weldon planted the spot kick firmly into the left corner, past a despairing Cymande Davis.

It was all Town again as the second half began as they forced four corners in the first four minutes of the period.

And it was Darrell who was kept busiest of all, making several good saves to deny the home side.

In the 63rd minute the 'keeper went full length to his right to keep out a long range blast from Wayne Campbell and minutes later he again needed to punch clear, this time off the boot of substitute Nairobi Smith.

Carlos Smith followed, grazing a header over the crossbar after Martin had supplied the perfect cross.

Again Town were penalised for this lack of finishing touch as Colts' striker Ray Jones scored a goal most unorthodox in nature.

A high drop-kick in the 84th minute by Darrell landed just inside the Town half where Jones failed to control but watched with joy as he got just enough of the ball to re-direct it past an out-of-position Davis and watch it roll across the line.

Acutely aware that defeat might cause them their league leadership, Town stepped up the attack, sending men forward in droves.

But just when it appeared that Colts would snatch the win -- and a much needed two points -- Troy Lewis stepped forward to head home a Martin corner past a maze of arms and legs.

Dandy Town: C.Davis; D.Lewis, P.Douglas, W.Campbell, W.Rudo, W.Musson L.Furbert 45 mins); R.Parsons (N.Smith 67 mins), T.Lewis; K.Martin, D.Simons, C.Smith.

Devonshire Colts: R.Darrell; Jermel Belboda (D.Williams 87 mins), J.Bean, J.Samuels, M.Hollis; L.Hypolite, Jermaine Belboda, K.Burchall; E.Weldon, R.Jones, M.Lewis.

Referee: Roddy Burchall.

Men of the match: Carlos Smith (Dandy Town), Marvin Lewis (Devonshire Colts).

Photos by Tony Cordeiro FALLING DOWN -- Dandy Town's Ross Parsons attempts an overhead kick as, from left, Devonshire Colts' players Jahmal Samuels and Randy Darrell look on and Leonard Hypolite takes evasive action during yesterday's First Division clash at St. John's Field.

GOALMOUTH TANGLE -- Devonshire Colts goalkeeper Randy Darrell is caught in the middle of defenders McKonnen Hollis (second left) and Jahmal Samuels while Dandy Town's Darron Simons lurks nearby during action at St. John's Field yesterday.