North Village weaved their way into the final of the Dudley Eve Trophy when they extinguished the challenge of pre-tournament favourites Boulevard Blazers 2-0 during a highly-charged affair at BAA field yesterday.

A packed house was kept on edge for 83 minutes before the deadlock was finally broken by Village substitute Sean Dill and the result was sealed two minutes later as Damon Wade doubled the advantage.

Prior to those late heroics action was fast and furious, with both sides showing urgency in their efforts to gain the upper hand.

However, the defences held firm. The Blazers' tandem of Kenny Darrell and Dean Boyles never gave their opponents a quarter, while the Red Devils' back four, marshalled by Kentoine Jennings, were equally tightfisted.

The men from North Shore announced their intentions as early as the fifth minute when Elliott Jennings and Rahji Edness took turns firing long range efforts inches off target.

Not to be denied, Boulevard stormed back. Midfielder Vernon Eve forced Village's goalkeeper Dwayne Adams into action as he snared his goal-bound header in the ninth minute after a free-kick on the left by Albert Caisey.

Only the woodwork saved a blemish on Adams' score-sheet in the 13th minute when Stevie Wade and Kenny Hill combined neatly with short passes in the penalty area that ended with the former crashing the ball against the upright before being cleared.

Sadly, a half that started with much promise, highlighted by several fine manoeuvres on both sides of the ball, rapidly disintegrated into one of misdirected passes, wayward shots and petty fouls.

The loud whistle of referee John Bento became a major player in the proceedings. Bento issued three cautions during a 20 minute span before the interval.

There was one shining moment during this lull in the action, which involved Kenny Hill, who rose high for another free-kick by Caisey and connected firmly on a header that Adams was alert to save.

A pair of wounded combatants trudged off to be refreshed at half-time and returned determined to land the telling blow that would jolt the opponent off their feet.

Still the knock-out proved elusive, with Village coming close to scoring after 53 minutes when Boulevard 'keeper Lynn Tucker snatched a Damon Wade cross out of mid-air as two team-mates waited free in the middle.

A blunder by Adams two minutes later almost cost his side as he fumbled the ball away in the area, but recovered to collect.

Like a pendulum, play see-sawed back and forth with each team struggling for survival.

Herbie Bascome and Stevie Wade grew into greater prominence for Boulevard as time wore on, directing traffic in the middle of the park, but it was Village's Damon Wade, who exposed a tragic flaw in the Boulevard defence that ultimately proved the difference.

The stylish left-winger created nightmares for right-back Johnny Boyles on the left flank, continually finding room to roam and producing several dangerous crosses as well as the occasional shot.

A penalty shoot-out appeared imminent as vital seconds ticked away and Boulevard held firm against sustained pressure from Village, anxious not to go the route of the spot-kick after losing in that manner to Dandy Town on Sunday.

Dill laid those thoughts to rest when he popped up seven minutes from time to slot home from six yards following a goal-mouth scramble after Edness had supplied the initial cross.

Meanwhile, Wade capped off a dazzling display with a solo effort moments later, beating one defender before tucking the ball past an advancing Tucker into the low right corner.

Nevertheless, coach Andrew Bascome suggested that a new strategy would be needed against Town if his men are to succeed.

"We worked hard, but still we were flat and lacked enthusiasm,'' said Bascome. "Today, in the second half, I thought we came out and played, but in order for this team to be champions we have to rise up for these occasions.

"We can't come and have some guys out there nervous...it's just a mental thing.'' Boulevard coach Gary Mallory was gracious in defeat simply stating: "Goals win matches and if you don't score, you can't expect to win.

"Sometimes the best team doesn't win.'' He also looked forward to getting his injury riddled squad rested for a charge at the FA Cup and League title in the second half of the season.

North Village: Dwayne Adams; D.Bell, I.Romaine, Ken.Jennings, W.Bassett; R.Edness, Kev.Jennings, E.Jennings; R.Hill, D.Wade, M.Dill (S.Dill 45 mins).

Boulevard: L.Tucker; J.Boyles, D.Boyles, K.Darrell, A.Caisey; S.Wade, H.Bascome, D.Warren, V.Eve (A.Brown 73 mins); K.Hill, N.Hull.

Referee: John Bento.

Men of the match: Damon Wade (North Village), Dean Boyles (Boulevard).

SEAN THE DESTROYER -- North Village forward Sean Dill, left, prepares for another raid on the Boulevard goal as full-back Johnny Boyles closes in.

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER -- Damon Wade of North Village, left, and Boulevard's Amon Brown battle for possesion late during yesterday's clash at BAA field.