Two goals in the last three minutes sent Devonshire Cougars crashing to their biggest defeat of the season, and left them wondering about their First Division future.

It wasn't that long ago that Cougars, in the middle of a revival, were one of the teams that others in the division did not relish playing.

However, in a few short weeks their punch has disappeared and while the late Boulevard goals might have exaggerated the scoreline there was never any doubt as to who deserved the points in this clash between old rivals.

Vernon Eve opened the scoring early in the second half and then left it to his replacement, Vincent Tuzo, and Kenny Hill to finish off Cougars in the dying minutes.

Plenty of determination was shown by the players from the outset as both teams sought an early advantage. Boulevard had the ball in the net by the 12th minute but Dwight Warren's turn and shoot effort was ruled out because of offside.

The better of the chances fell to Boulevard during the first half but they could not capitalise on the opportunities created by front men Warren, Stevie Wade and Hill who was starting his first match in months because of an injury.

The best chance for either team came in the 22nd minute when Warren knocked the ball down for Wade whose shot from 25 yards was on target but brilliantly saved by the diving Leon Place who turned the effort around a post for a corner.

Veteran Dale Russell put in a shot from an angle on the left that went just past the far post as Cougars showed they had something to offer despite the absence of their top scorer Philip Clarke and Clevie Campbell because of injuries along with Darrid Durrant in the centre of their defence.

Wade was clearly determined to do well against his former team and he missed the better of the chances, including one just before the break when Warren laid a pass onto his chest on the edge of the box only to see a left foot effort sail well over the bar.

The second half was just three minutes old when Boulevard went in front, as Hill got through with a quick break upfield. With keeper Place drawn out of position, he unselfishly slid the ball across an open goal to the far post where Eve scored with ease.

After Warren went close to doubling the lead with a volley that was just wide, Jamal Salaam sent in a long range shot that whistled over the bar.

The introduction of Marlon Lindsay as their second substitute provided Cougars with extra thrust up front but it was still Boulevard who had the better of the scoring opportunities as Wade had a shot blocked by the legs of Place before putting another effort wide.

Cougars were finally sunk by two late goals, the first in the 87th minute when a corner on the right by Wade saw Warren shoot towards goal and Tuzo deflect the ball into the cornerof the net.

Two minutes later Hill settled things with a smartly taken goal after getting the ball under control before firing in a low shot that gave Place no chance.

The loss leaves Cougars in ninth place, three points adrift of St. George's and Devonshire Colts, and with just three matches remaining.

Boulevard: M.Steede; J.Boyles, L.Stevens, W.Richardson, A. Caisey; G.Smith, M.Holdipp, V.Eve (V.Tuzo 80 mins), S.Wade, D.Warren, K.Hill.

Cougars: L.Place; M.Dill, G.Butterfield, S.Smith, S.Coddington; D.Russell, C.Azhar (T.Burgess 55 mins), G.Dyer, P.Simmons (M.Lindsay 69 mins), J.Salaam, W.Salaam.

Referee: Frank Drayton.

Men of match: Dwight Warren (Boulevard), Jamal Salaam (Cougars).

FULL STRETCH -- Devonshire Colts' captain Ellington Weldon lunges for a ball during his side's clash with Dandy Town yesterday. In the background are Jay Bean, Darron Simons and Jahmal Samuels, while Carlos Smith approaches from the right.