Goalkeeper Cymande Davis underestimated the power of his former Hamilton Parish team-mate Kuma Smith -- and paid the price as defending league champions Vasco got off to a winning start at Devonshire Rec. yesterday.

But Wolves had enough chances after Smith's 24th minute winner to not only equalise but win the match in the second half, including a 71st minute penalty from captain Anthony Thomas which was saved by opposing captain Timmy Figureido.

And while Figureido was outstanding in the Vasco goal, Davis at the other end was not in the best of form, dropping crosses and causing some anxious moments in his penalty area.

Davis did make an important early save when he deflected a low shot from Keith Jennings for a corner after a quick return through ball by Dwight Basden.

But poor organisation of his defence by Davis midway through the half resulted in Smith breaking the deadlock.

Del Tyrell, another new Vasco signing, was fouled on the right side of the penalty box. However, Davis never set up a wall as he expected the ball to be flighted into the middle. But the 23-year-old Smith spotted an opening at the near post and blasted his shot into the back of the net and out of Davis' reach.

Davis dropped the ball from a free kick on the half hour but Lanario Simmons was on hand to boot clear.

Jennings looked a threat for Vasco every time they moved forward. Cory Smith was booked for fouling him close to the halfway line on the left.

Kuma Smith this time drove in his free kick low and hard towards the far post and it went across goal untouched before finding the far corner. Smith's smiles were wiped off his face when the effort was ruled out for offside on Jennings inside the box.

Vasco missed Smith's strength in midfield as he limped off in the 53rd minute with a leg injury. Wolves had already stepped up their game and they piled on the pressure as Vasco were forced onto the back foot.

A ball behind the Vasco defence in the 48th minute landed perfectly for Ellington Weldon who wasted the chance on the edge of the six-yard box. The home team had another good chance on the hour when Nakia Smith's long range shot was blocked by the diving Figureido and substitute Jared Peniston followed up only to see his effort pushed against the post.

Another Wolves sub almost had a hand in a goal with his first touch as they kept up the pressure. This time Keemo Smith, who had just replaced Nathan Webb, chipped the ball into the box where Weldon headed over the top from six yards.

Vasco were beginning to tire under the relentless pressure but Figureido showed why he is one of the top goalkeepers in the Island when he made another critical save in the 71st minute.

Wolves' equaliser finally looked to have come when Weldon was knocked off his feet by substitute Jamel (Mouse) Smith as he turned inside the box. There was no argument from Smith as referee Anthony Mouchette pointed to the spot.

However, Thomas' spot kick wasn't struck firmly enough and Figureido was able to save to his left.

Figureido made an even more spectacular save 11 minutes later when Nakia Smith got on the end of a Thomas cross into the box and turned and shot low towards the near post. This time the 'keeper made a one-handed save to his right to preserve his team's slim lead.

Wolves: C.Davis; T.Trott, L.Simmons, A.Thomas, C.Smith, P.Sampson, T.Davis, C.Lopes (J.Peniston 46 mins), E.Weldon (S.Laws (75 mins), N.Webb (Ke.Smith 62 mins), N.Smith.

Vasco: T.Figureido; D.Stapley, T.Dickinson, C.Roberts, A.Caisey, J.Belboda, Ku.Smith (J.Smith 53 mins), C.Caisey, K.Jennings, D.Basden (C.Anderson 83min), D.Tyrell (K.Burchall 74 mins).

Referee: Anthony Mouchette.

Men of the match: Nakia Smith (Wolves), Timmy Figureido (Vasco).

Yellow cards: Cory Smith, Nathan Webb, Lanario Simmons (Wolves) Clinton Caisey, Dwight Basden (Vasco).

Red cards: None.

Dev.Colts 1 Southampton 0 Devonshire Colts gave themselves a boost ahead of tomorrow's Martonmere Cup match with Wolves when they beat Rangers at White Hill field in their opening Premier Division match.

Aljame Zuill scored the only goal of the match four minutes from time, slamming the ball home from close range after his own header deflected off goalkeeper Randy Darrell and back into his path.

But Southampton were denied a deserved equaliser right at the end when Omari Hart missed a sitter as he shot weakly at goalkeeper Troy Hall from just 12 yards out.

It was a game of missed chances for both teams, Southampton blowing most of their opportunities in the first half and Colts saving their blunders for mid-way through the second.

Herbie Dillas was prominent in the Southampton attack while Zuill, leader of Colts' attack, was a constant menace to the defence.