Dandy Town moved within a victory of contesting the FA Cup final for the third time, but not without a battle from a pesky Devonshire Cougars bunch.

Yesterday's clash at Devonshire Rec. field, evolved into one of the season's best affairs, as the home side, despite their Second Division status, showed themselves to be more than capable of holding their own against the First Division's elite.

Never were they overawed. In fact, Cougars dominated for stretches during the match and in the end Town were fortunate to emerge victorious, requiring a late strike by Paul Cann after Dwayne Bean had equalised, cancelling out a goal by Kris Martin.

"They put in a good fight, which I always knew they were capable of,'' commented coach Brian Anderson of his side's effort. "It just showed that they are capable of competing (with First Division teams).

"(But) I think they learned never to let to let their guard down and always be on top of your game, because the slightest mental lapse could let you down.'' The match started in a blaze. Town's fleet-footed striker Carlos Smith created an early stir, blazing across left-back Kevin Hodgson before firing into the side-netting after just two minutes.

Not to be outdone, Dwayne Bean attempted a rapid response for Cougars at the other end six minutes later, but his feeble try from 18 yards after Devon Brangman crossed presented little difficulty for goalkeeper Cymande Davis.

Invigorated by their early success, Cougars moved confidently forward, exhorted by their boisterous followers.

In the 12th minute, midfielder Troy Smith managed to scheme his way between defenders only to have the ball swept away for a corner by Davis at the crucial moment.

More excitement was yet to come.

Martin provided a piece of artistry on the left flank for Town after 20 minutes, weaving past two defenders and crossing for Carlos Smith, who again found only the side-netting.

Cougars came out for the second half with inner fires raging and immediately resumed the attack.

Bean provided the energy on the left side along with Jamal Salaam in the middle, veteran Dale Russell provided a stabilising force in the middle of the pitch, while Shawn Smith was the glue at the back.

Paul Cann and Martin looked dangerous whenever on the ball for Town, but their defence was showing cracks against an avalanche of pressure.

However, Martin gave them a brief reprieve when he spurred Town into the lead in the 58th minute, as he caught 'keeper Leon Place totally off guard.

Gaining possession near the halfway line Martin pushed down the left, cut in and, with everyone in the park expecting a cross, he squeezed the ball home from the narrowest of angles.

Wounded, Cougars stormed back and the goal that had seemed imminent finally came in the 71st minute.

Bean applied the finishing touches to a Wali Salaam corner in the form of a glancing header that nipped past Davis and a bevy of defenders.

Extra time appeared on the cards as referee Roddy Burchall's clock ticked down, but that scenario was removed six minutes from the time when substitute Zane Stowe found Cann free on the right with a fine change of play and the latter was lethal in finishing, bending the ball inside the far post.

Town coach Mark Trott had high praise for the effort of both teams, especially his, saying: "They showed a lot of character against a team which I consider to be a First Division team and one that could hold their own.'' Devonshire Cougars: L.Place; K.Hodgson, S.Smith, D.Durrant, C.Smith; D.Russell, W.Salaam, T.Smith (S.Coddington, 64 mins); D.Brangman (P.Mallory, 83 mins), D.Bean, J.Salaam.

Dandy Town: C.Davis, L.Christopher, W.Campbell, T.Durham, W.Rudo; D.Boyles, K.Martin (T.Lewis, 80 mins), L.Furbert; P.Cann, J.Butterfield (Z.Stowe 57 mins), C.Smith.

Referee: Roddy Burchall.

Men of the match: Dwayne Bean (Devonshire Cougars); Kris Martin (Dandy Town).

UNDER WRAPS -- Cougars' Dwayne Bean, background, keeps a close eye on Town dangerman Carlos Smith during yesterday's action at the Den.