Devonshire Cougars moved out of the First Division basement while recording their first win of the season on Saturday night, holding off a late charge by St. David's to emerge 1-0 victors.

A fifth minute strike by Clevie Campbell proved the difference between the two sides in what was an evenly balanced affair for the most part.

Campbell managed to elude the offside trap and run onto a through-ball up the middle, slotting the ball under the advancing Dale Fox in goal for the Islanders.

St. David's controlled more of the possession during the first half, using the short passing style as dictated by their coach Andrew Bascome to control tempo.

Yet Cougars looked threatening during the times they had the ball, their forceful, direct style exposing numerous cracks in St. David's' defence.

Cougars tried to increase their advantage early in the second half, continuing to run at their opponents, but finding a second goal elusive despite the efforts of Campbell.

Still, St. David's came close to equalising in the 61st minute as a booming kick forward by Fox totally baffled Cougars' rear guard and in the confusion centre-back Ryan Swan just missed tucking one in his own goal, his misdirected clearance falling inches wide of the right upright.

At the other end Fox needed to go full length to his left to keep out a Wali Salaam drive following a well designed move on the left involving Maxwell Dill and Campbell.

Islanders' substitute Lionel Cann was denied by the crossbar in the 71st minute, his follow-up header from inside the six-yard box somehow escaping the net.

Cougars coach Josef Gooden reverted to a more defensive 4-4-2 formation for the final 20 minutes and the ploy worked, allowing for his first victory as coach of the Devonshire club.

St. David's: D.Fox; J.Thomas, S.Pitcher, D.Whitehead (D.Hollis 46 mins), G.Foggo; E.Wolffe, J.Warren, P.White; C.Simmons, S.Goater (L.Cann 52 mins), A.Tyrell (T.Weeks 67 mins).

Devonshire Cougars: L.Place; S.Coddington, S.Caisey, K.Swan, M.Dill; W.Salaam, R.Swan (G.Dyer 38 mins), W.Martin, G.Dyer; T.Smith (D.Trott 70 mins), M.Houghton (P.Puckerin 56 mins).

Men of the match: Jamel Warren (St. David's); Clevie Campbell (Devonshire Cougars).

Referee: Esten Curtis.