A missed penalty by centre-back Kentoine Jennings prevented champions Vasco from moving to the top of the First Division for the first time this season at Lord's yesterday.

The blunder came after 71 minutes when hard-working striker Dwight Basden broke clear and was brought down by goalkeeper Andre Hendrickson. But Jennings placed his shot wide of the left-hand post.

A goal would have been just reward for Vasco as they were well on top of their opponents at the time and had dominated play.

But their inability to score before and after that could be attributed to poor finishing along with an outstanding performance by Hendrickson in the Boulevard goal.

Despite having been pinned down for most of the game, Boulevard had their chances to snatch a surprise win after the missed penalty -- their best opportunity coming nine minutes from time. Dwight Warren burst through the Vasco defence but goalkeeper Timmy Figureido raced out to block the fiercely hit ball from close range.

But lowly Boulevard were happy to emerge with a point that may go a long way towards helping them steer clear of their dismal position near the bottom of the table.

Until they woke up and produced some inspiring play during the final 10 minutes most chances in this game went to the champions, but their front players often ran out of finishing ideas inside the penalty box.

Sinclair Gibbons and Ascento Russell both fired shots wide of goal from just inside the box during the first 20 minutes.

The first significant miss came after 32 minutes when Russell's blast from 14 yards was sensationally saved by Hendrickson. Then Vasco watched in astonishment as the rebound struck by Basden from point-blank range was even more brilliantly blocked by the goalkeeper.

Boulevard's defence had another scare after 49 minutes when Basden broke away only for right back Robert Wilson to run across him and slide the ball from under his legs as he was about to shoot.

Boulevard: A.Hendrickson; R.Wilson, L.Stevens, M.Trott, A.Caisey; K.Darrell, S.Wade, D.Warren; O.Minors, S.Crockwell (R.Burchall, 78 mins), T.Caisey (G.Foggo, 66 mins). Vasco: T.Figureido; D.Stapley (W.Augustus, 70 min), K.Jennings, M.Wade, E.Richardson; O.Steede, D.Robinson, T.Outerbridge; A.Russell (Kei.Jennings, 69 mins), D.Basden, S.Gibbons (C.Smith, 66 mins).

Referee: Stuart Crockwell.

Men of the match: Andre Hendrickson (Boulevard); Dwight Basden (Vasco).