A late Mark Ray goal ruined visiting Trojans' attempt to claw their way back into this First Division game at BAA Field yesterday.

Colts, who took over the lead in the First Division with this triumph, were hanging desperately on to their 2-1 lead when Ray put the result beyond doubt with 11 minutes remaining.

The hard-working midfielder took a pass from skipper Shannon Burgess, coolly dribbled past Andrew Rahman and Karl Roberts before drilling the ball home from a close angle on the right.

Before Ray's clincher, Colts' defence had a worried look about it and an equaliser for the West Enders, who had been trailing 2-0 at half-time, seemed inevitable as forward Lamaul Crofton tormented them.

But Colts, who came close to wilting during that period of intense pressure, had held a decisive edge on their opponents in the opening half and deserved their two-goal cushion.

They went in front after 18 minutes when Keishon Smith netted from close range following a mistake by left full back Shawn Riley that enabled skipper Burgess in midfield to lay the pass on for Smith.

Four minutes later Burgess himself made it 2-0 by fiercely hammering the ball into the net from 20 yards.

The stunned Trojans couldn't find any rhythm and pinned their hopes on counter attacks. This tactic worked at times, but they still were unable to get direct shots on goal, despite creating a few openings.

Their best chance came after 33 minutes when striker Michael Brangman failed to make contact despite sliding in in a desperate attempt to steer the ball home with goalkeeper Hall well out of position.

The visitors, however, were the beneficiaries of a gift after just 33 seconds of the second half when centre-back Makonnen Hollis attempted to head a cross clear only to steer it into his own goal.

The grateful Trojans immediately lifted their game, putting pressure on Colts for a sustained period. Brangman again and Crofton both went agonisingly close.

However, despite their dominance, the equaliser just wouldn't come.

And Ray finally extinguished their spark with his late effort.

Devonshire Colts: T.Hall; J.Belboda, M.Hollis, D.Wright, K.Lawrence; S.Burgess, M.Ray, J.Samuels, R.Jones (O.Butterfield, 65 mins); T.Smith (K.Dill, 63 mins), K.Smith.

Somerset Trojans: W.Williams; A.Burchall, A.Rahman, D.Woolridge (S.Burrows, 75 mins), S.Riley; K.Simmons (K.Roberts, 63 mins), D.Rahman, M.Butterfield; F.Simmons (E.James, 66 mins), M.Brangman, L.Crofton.

Referee: Leroy Wilson.

Men of the match: Shannon Burgess (Colts); Lamaul Crofton (Trojans).