Young starlet Tumaini Steede showed why he was called upon to represent his country at last month's Digicel Cup as he leaped off the substitutes bench to strike the winner and push Devonshire Cougars to victory over Boulevard Blazers in the first match of the 2008/09 Martonmere Cup tournament at BAA Field on Saturday night.

Steede, who had been on the pitch for no more then ten minutes, slotted his chance home in the 80th minute from a rebound that fell to his feet after Blazers goalkeeper Ryan Broadbelt could only palm the initial shot from cousin and skipper Kwame Steede.

It was just deserts for a side who were into their stride from the outset and never allowed their opponents a moment to breathe while in possession of the ball.

Yet it was Boulevard who had the best chance of the first half only to see striker Raymond Burgess shot go over the bar from six yards out.

The ball was worked out to the energetic Angelo Simmons on the right wing and he slid a pass through to Michael Parsons, whose low, first-time shot across goal was scuffed and fell to Burgess before the latter saw his effort go blazing over the bar.

Simmons, who was a menace with every opportunity he got, never seemed to get the support that he would have liked to get the all important first goal of the match.

And with a draw destined for the final result, up stepped young Steede to steal all three points away from a hard-working Blazers side, who in fairness deserved a share of the spoils.

Hard work down the right flank by fellow youngster Korvon Tucker allowed Tucker to slip the ball back to the top of the penalty spot where his skipper lay in wait for the potential game-winning stroke.

When the ball fell graciously at his feet, Steede, who still had work to do, faked his initial attempt on goal before unleashing a low stinging drive.

Although Broadbelt managed to parry the shot, he was unable to get enough power on it.

The ball fell kindly to Tumaini Steede who then had the simple task of slamming home the rebound from a few yards out.

With minutes left on the clock, it appeared Cougars didn't want the victory they so richly deserved, giving the ball away in vulnerable positions and allowing their keeper to make late saves to rescue the complacent back four.

But in the end, the Steede combination worked to see their side one point away from the next round.

In the end it was just enough to get Cougars off to a winning start with a showdown with PHC looming in the weeks ahead.

"We played hard throughout the match and in the end came out with the victory," said Tumaini Steede.

"We dominated the match for the 90 minutes and worked hard for the victory.

"The coach told me that when I come on to make an impact on the match, and that is what I done.

"But in the end it comes down to a team effort and that is what we did tonight.

"This year I want to show everyone what I can do.

"Last year I wasn't fit to make any type of impact for my team but I'm better this year. I've played a lot of football this summer."