Bringing back memories of old, Somerset and North Village engaged in a furious struggle at Bernard Park yesterday, one which left both wobbling at the end much like two punch-drunk heavyweight boxers.

First one and then the other had opportunities to apply the knockout punch, but neither were able to land the ultimate blow to floor their opponents.

In the end a spectacular fourth minute strike by Somerset midfielder Keion Simmons and a penalty in the 30th minute by Sheldon Franks accounted for the entire scoring output for the match.

However, action permeated throughout the fixture pitting these long-time rivals as both defences were stretched to the limit, with goalkeepers Dwayne Adams of North Village and Somerset's Andre Hendrickson kept busy throughout.

For Adams the opening moments proved nightmarish as the Trojans' initial foray resulted in their taking the lead when right back Rudolph Butterfield and midfielder Dion Woolridge linked up on the right side, Butterfield supplying Simmons at the top of the penalty area.

Simmons coolly controlled the ball before unleashing a terrific blast beyond the clutches of a late reacting Adams.

The goal appeared to be the home team's wake-up call and they continued with renewed purpose, laying siege upon the Somerset goalmouth in the 18th minute when no less than three players had chances to bring them level. However, they were denied either by the quick reaction of Hendrickson or blocked by a defensive wall camped on the goal-line.

At the other end Village right back Kevin Grant saved Village falling further behind in the 22nd minute, clearing a goal bound header by Dion Woolridge off the line.

Hendrickson again displayed fine reflexes two minutes later to deny Michael Hansey who had risen high at the far post to send in a header.

But the home side were back on level terms after 30 minutes as Franks finally beat Hendrickson with a penalty, awarded after Butterfield needlessly fouled Damon Wade when the forward had his back to goal.

The second half continued along similar lines as the first, with both sides going all out in attack, searching for the go-ahead score.

Hansey dazzled in the 50th minute, controlling a pass from centre-back Clifford Roberts in the Somerset half, splitting two defenders and ghosting past a third before unleashing a curling left foot shot that skimmed over the crossbar.

Two minutes later Augustus produced a searing drive from 25 yards that barely eluded the low right corner.

Somerset though had a weapon of their own in Lamaul Crofton, who caused severe problems for Augustus along the right wing with his blazing speed and close ball skills.

In the 72nd minute Crofton looked set to put Somerset on top after leaving Augustus for dead on the right, cutting in and uncoiling a terrific blast that Adams miraculously got a hand to and knocked away for a corner.

Village responded in the dying stages as Jamel Smith performed a memorable moment of his own, beating three defenders on his way toward the penalty area, but having little left at the end, managing only a feeble effort that Hendrickson easily covered.

Seconds later Hendrickson alertly denied Franks scoring a second, palming away what looked a sure headed goal from less than six yards.

The draw dropped Somerset from second to third, three points adrift of leaders Vasco and two behind surprise team Southampton, while Village fell to fifth, four points off the pace.

North Village: D.Adams; W.Augustus, D.Bell, C.Roberts, K.Grant; K.Smith, S.Franks, M.Hansey; D.Wade (J.Smith 84 mins), E.Jennings, S.Dill (K.Dill 71 mins) Somerset: A.Hendrickson; R.Butterfield, J.Burrows, T.Dickinson, E.Dean; D.Woolridge, K.Simmons (R.Tucker 45 mins), A.Rahman (J.Butterfield 80 mins); R.Bascome, L.Crofton, C.Grant Referee: Esten Curtis Men of the match: Kevin Grant (North Village), Lamaul Crofton (Somerset)