Devonshire Colts marched proudly into the Dudley Eve tournament last night with a commanding performance at Devonshire Rec.

The match, which Colts had to win in order to move ahead of Dandy Town and claim the final qualifying spot, was switched from BAA Field yesterday after some lights at that ground went out during Vasco's training session on Thursday night.

With teenager Ricky Saltus in outstanding form, Colts never looked back after taking a 2-0 lead after 27 minutes.

Saltus, one of Colts players featured in the under-21 Red team for tomorrow's All-Star match, looked an exciting prospect with his skill, pace and confidence as the Vasco defence was given a torrid time.

The 18-year-old laid on a cross in the 17th minute which was converted by college student Quincy Aberdeen at the far post.

A glaring miss by Irving Burgess after springing thet offside trap five minutes later enabled Colts to remain in front after Burgess found himself clear of the Colts defence when a cross came in.

Colts capitalised on that miss by scoring the second in the 27th minute when Saltus laid on the chance down the left side for Tito Smith to score past Timmy Figureido at the near post as the ball went in off the 'keeper's leg.

Vasco's own college player, Clay Smith, went close with a shot on the turn which was deflected by Hall for a corner.

Vasco finally got on the scoresheet in the 41st minute when Dwight Basden's short cross from the left side was sidefooted home by Burgess.

But Vasco quickly found themselves facing a two-goal deficit again just three minutes later when Saltus drove a crisp low shot into Figureido's left-hand corner.

Victory in this match would have enabled Vasco to move to within a point of leaders PHC, but with key players missing they did not have the same desire as their opponents who struck the framework twice in the second half as they threatened to run up a big score.

Aberdeen saw his shot come back off the bar in the 48th minute and 11 minutes later Saltus also beat the out of position Figureido before his long range header hit the bar.

Vasco were back in the game when Jamal Smith scored from the penalty spot after being tripped by Tito Smith as he tried to turn in the box. But, again within three minutes, Colts hit back as Keimon Lawrence's 65th minute firm low drive beat Figureido to make it 4-2.

Figureido was having a bad night and would have been beaten twice more but for poor finishing. Substitute Clevon Hill tried to score from an angle instead of crossing to the free Aljame Zuill in the 88th minute.

And two minutes later Saltus' pass found Zuill clear but he blasted over as he tried to beat Figureido. Vasco had calls for a penalty ignored when Clay Smith's shot appeared to hit the hand of Jahmah Samuels.

The result dropped Vasco to third in the standings which means they will meet Colts in their opening Dudley Eve match while North Village, now second, take on PHC next Wednesday at the same venue.

Vasco: T.Figureido; A.Tyrell, J.Belboda, D.Sharrieff, W.Augustus, C.Smith, K.Smith (C.Anderson 46min), J.Smith (A.Wolffe 82min), D.Basden, I.Burgess, S.Gibbons.

Colts: T.Hall; J.Belboda, S.Burgess, N.Samuels, J.Simmons, J.Samuels, T.Smith, K.Lawrence, A.Zuill, Q.Aberdeen (C.Hill 74min), R.Saltus.

Referee: Anthony Mouchette Men of the match: Diallo Sharrieff (Vasco), Ricky Saltus (Colts).

Yellow cards: A.Zuill (Colts), W.Augustus (Vasco) Though the league programme is now in its Christmas and New Year's break, most of the Island's top players will still be in action tomorrow when the third All-Star match is staged at Somerset.

The action will start at noon with the BTC women's match, which will be followed by the Shell Under-21 encounter at 1.30. During half-time of that match will be the heats of the "fastest man in football'' competition.

Three of the reported fastest men, Daniel Reece, Kevin Jennings and Carlos Smith, have not entered, with only four -- Corey Dowling, Oscar Riley, Galvin Butterfield and Vernon Phillips -- committed so far. Jennings is due to play in the main All-Star match, starting at 3.40 while Smith has just resumed playing after a long absence due to groin and hamstring injuries.

The final of the fastest man competition is scheduled to be held during half time of the main match and any footballers wishing to participate can sign up tomorrow at the ground.