Devonshire Cougars players and management left the Den furious with captain Kwame Steede last night as the talented but temperamental player cost them a place in the Friendship Trophy final.

Just as his team were getting on top of Somerset Eagles in their semi-final, the home side?s leader swore at linesman Cal Simons and was instantly red carded.

That was the 27th minute and already 1-0 up, Cougars were beginning to control the game?s tempo and terrorise the opposition with their trademark pace and aggression up front. However Steede?s exit removed a vital midfield cog and, though Cougars put up a brave showing, their potency was never quite the same thereafter.

The result was that the West Enders equalised by the break and then ? somewhat against the run of play ? found a winner, courtesy of a stunning strike by substitute Duval Binns in the 78th minute.

Heys Wolfe ? mourning the loss of his dad for whom a minute?s silence was observed ? sent Cougars ahead in the third minute as he struck past Adrian Burrows from the left edge of the area.

The home team then settled into their usual busy pattern of play with Steede in his accustomed linking role between defence and the strikers. At the other end, Eagles were getting in a few shots but nothing that seriously worried relief goalkeeper LoVintz Tota except for an early block of Rodre (Piper) Wilson?s shot on the left post.

As Steede was sent packing the difference in Cougars? range of options was clearly visible and despite Domico Coddington?s best efforts to fill the breech, Wolfe and Raymond Beach often found themselves deep in their own half trying to win possession.

In the 39th minute, Eagles were rewarded for their patience and some steady pressure when Lamaul Crofton?s right-foot volley, from just outside the area, whizzed over Tota?s outstretched hand and into the net as the latter went airborne.

The 1-1 deadlock continued well into the second half with Cougars being thwarted by a few saves off the line while Eagles missed the mark with headers and misdirected shots.

Just as fans began to contemplate extra time, Binns emerged the hero with a diagonal volley from 30 yards that rocketed into the net?s right side and clinched the match.

Eagles coach Gary (Tuba) Mallory credited team work for the victory, noting that despite the one-man advantage it was far from easy.

?Cougars have a lot of pride, especially at home. It?s always a battle. It wasn?t pretty but we got the job done,? he said.

Those sentiments were endorsed by Eagles skipper Musceo Hunt who had an outstanding game marshalling their defence.

?We fought hard and we got what we deserved,? he said, celebrating with team-mates.

In the First Division Shield semi-final earlier, Paget overcame Ireland Rangers 3-2 thanks to goals by Nathan Simons, Kian Butterfield and Daniel Caines in the fifth, 50th and 57th minutes respectively.

Lloyd Telford Jr. netted twice for the losers in the 33rd and 84th minutes but his side failed to capitalise as Paget?s Edison Clarke was dismissed in the 68th minute for his second bookable offence. L.Tota, D.Coddington, J.Deshields, S.Smith, O.Butterfield, K.Martin, K.Steede, K.Goddard (J.Butterfield, 45 mins), H.Wolfe, R.Beach, M.Smith (W.Salaam, 74 mins).A.Burrows, K.Simons, M.Hunt, J.Tucker, A.Lambert, T.Smith (I.Raynor, 60 mins), S.Dill, L.Woods (D.Binns, 45 mins), R.Wilson (J.Butterfield, 25 mins), L.Crofton, N.Smith. K.Steede (Devonshire, 27 mins).J.Butterfield (Devonshire); I.Raynor (Somerset). D.Coddington (Devonshire); M.Hunt (Somerset). R.Knight.