Irving Burgess' 20th minute goal was all that could separate these two teams at BAA Field last night as the match was just as close as the scoreline suggests.

Only some solid defending by the Vasco defence preserved their three points which moved them back level with leaders Southampton Rangers.

Colts attacked relentlessly in the second half in search of an equaliser but to no avail.

The goal that would settle the issue came midway through the first half when, from a Corey Hill move down the left, Irving Burgess blasted a shot past Troy Hall in the Colts goal from close range.

Colts were forced into their first substitution in the 34th minute when Ellington Weldon came on for the limping Sekai Waldron. Immediately Mark (Beaver) Ray, who worked tirelessly in midfield, went close for Colts with a shot from 25 yards that flew just wide.

Soon after a corner on the left saw Aljame Zuill put a left foot shot over the top from 10 yards as Colts kept up the pressure. They enjoyed a good spell late in the first half but Kentoine Jennings and Trevor Dickinson in the middle of the Vasco defence built a solid wall in front of them.

Then just before the half Vasco broke free with a couple of raids that nearly produced another goal, as on one of the occasions Hall tipped a dangerous effort over the crossbar.

Vasco lost full back Derek Stapley to an injury early in the second half when Keishon Smith caught him with a tackle above the knee after he lost the ball on a run towards the Vasco box and tried to recover possession.

Soon Colts were forcing Vasco back on the defensive as Ray kept driving them forward from midfield.

Derek Iris came on to replace Keimon Lawrence and towards the end Colts tried to boost their attack further by bringing on John Richmond in place of Zuill.

Vasco countered with the introduction of the experienced Paul Towlson for Billy Kirkpatrick and Dwight Basden for Hill up front in the hopes of adding a second goal on the break.

Some timely interceptions by the Vasco defence proved crucial, while they also had a scare when Jennings went down injured. He was able to continue after treatment.

In the end Burgess' fourth goal of the season proved sufficient to extend Vasco's winning streak to five league and cup games.