North Village 3 Somerset 1 Somerset's Paul Maybury landed a knock-out, but it was North Village who ultimately floored their western counterparts and moved through to the semi-finals of the Martonmere Cup at BAA field on Saturday night.

Village won the match 3-1 thanks to a pair of goals from Kevin Jennings and one from David Thomas, however it was the kick-boxing display put on by Maybury and Vernon Tankard that dominated post-match conversation.

What began as just another spirited challenge for possession near the left touchline ended with Tankard `sprawled out cold', and in need of medical treatment with a suspected broken jaw, courtesy of a right cross that Mike Tyson would have been proud of.

Yet Tankard had none other than himself to blame as it was he who took initial exception to the challenge by Maybury, kicking out at the rival midfielder who returned fire with a blow that landed flush on the chin.

St. John Ambulance crews rushed onto the pitch, strapping down the forlorn `victim' to a stretcher and whisking him away to get further attention.

And adding insult to injury was the fact that Tankard was shown the red card by referee Cal Simons, although his ejection -- one way or the other -- from the match was a foregone conclusion. Maybury likewise saw red from the official on account of his retaliation.

The incident precipitated a lengthy stoppage at half-time as officials looked to quell tension on both sides.

Nevertheless, while Village failed to distinguish themselves in the fighting arena, their soccer skills were unparalleled by the Trojans, who were rocked early and often.

The Red Devils announced their intentions as early as the fourth minute, when Kentoine Jennings squandered a gift opportunity, seizing possession from David Burchall at the top of the penalty area, rounding goalkeeper Timmy Figureido, but the softness of his shot allowed Burchall to recover and clear off the line.

David Thomas scored from the spot in the 10th minute to put Village ahead, after Somerset 'keeper Tim Figureido had brought down a rampaging Kevin Jennings.

Village continued their domination, especially in midfield, where Kentoine Jennings, brother Keith, Sergio Goater and Tankard linked well to service the front line.

Conversely, the lack of cohesion between Somersets midfield and forwards conspired to enhance the pressure placed on the defence and Figureido in particular, who performed admirably between the `sticks' regardless of the scoreline.

In the 33rd minute Village doubled the lead as Kevin Jennings got his first, beating the offside trap to get on the end of a brilliant through-ball from Tankard, side-stepping the 'keeper before tapping home.

Somerset pulled a goal back moments later as Burchall forced a Michael Brangman cross over the line.

The second half was strictly one-way traffic in favour of the Pembroke club, although they only reaped a single tally, that coming in the 71st minute in the form of a blistering drive from Kevin Jennings that seared into the low left corner.

Village thus joined Devonshire Colts, Dandy Town and Wolves in the semi-finals.

North Village: Z.Hendrickson; J.Thomas, R.Spence, D.Thomas, K.Binns; Keith Jennings (J.Boyles (78 mins); S.Goater (T.Jennings 67 mins), Kentoine Jennings; Kevin Jennings, T.Outerbridge (D.Warren 59 mins), V.Tankard Somerset: T.Figureido; C.Bean (J.Gibbons 56 mins), J.Rickards (C.Fox 73 mins), R.Scott, H.Hunt; P.Maybury, S.Mendes, D.Burchall, M.Brangman, D.Basden Referee: Cal Simons Men of the Match: Kevin Jennings (North Village); Tim Figureido (Somerset) Yellow card: Tarik Jennings (North Village); Dwight Basden (Somerset) Red card: Vernon Tankard (North Village); Paul Maybury (Somerset)