Finally, respect.

Even though only coming away with a share of the spoils, St. George's earned admiration for their performance in battling reigning First Division champions Vasco to a standstill on Saturday night at PHC.

For following an earlier 7-0 pounding at the hands of the Portuguese club, and possessing a 0-1-3 record entering the contest, not many gave the East Enders a prayer.

And it certainly appeared divine intervention would be needed after Sammy Swan gave Vasco a 12th minute lead, getting on the end of a searching right-wing cross by Corey Hill and nodding in at the far post as the defence stood and watched.

Still, not taken into account was the heart of St. George's, who have looked much improved in recent weeks.

Their continued fight, under booming command from captain and centre-back Neil Paynter, and steady -- if not spectacular -- play in goal by Gregg Smith, prevented any further setback and in the end it was the home team who crumbled.

William Richardson wasted a golden opportunity to draw St. George's level in the 21st minute after he and Jerome Laws had broken down Vasco's defence.

But instead of attempting a shot from just inside the penalty area, Richardson dribbled on, allowing goalkeeper Timmy Figureido to scramble the ball away for a corner.

Swan had another header cleared off the line in the 33rd minute following a rare error on the part of 'keeper Smith and the 1-0 advantage remained at the interval.

Their confidence boosted, St. George's came out with more vigour to start the second half, Donald Whitfield slamming a drive directly into Figureido and Richardson plowing another inches wide.

Charity on the part of Vasco finally gave St.George's the score they needed, Clay Smith looping a ball into the penalty area and watching with glee as full back Trevor Dickinson's back-header eluded the clutches of an advancing Figureido and instead found the far reaches of the right corner.

Stung, Vasco stormed back, with Hill denied by the efforts of Gregg Smith on two occasions in the 63rd minute.

Both teams had chances to go in front during the closing stages, but in the end settled for a draw, a definite disappointment for Vasco, but akin to victory for St. George's.

Vasco, however, still managed to take over first place in the standings in moving onto 10 points, as they lead North Village on goal difference.

Meanwhile, St. George's moved from 10th to ninth, overtaking St. David's, who lost yesterday to Boulevard.

Vasco: Tim Figureido; T.Dickinson, K.Jennings, S.Smith, E.Richardson (B.Bruce 70 mins); V.Astwood, S.Arorash, S.Gibbons; A.DaCosta (F.Simmons 31 mins), S.Swan, C.Hill.

St. George's: G.Smith; D.Bailey, Q.Francis, N.Paynter, A.Todd; D.Richardson, D.Whitfield, K.Moreno (D.Walker 78 mins); W.Richardson, J.Laws, C.Smith.

Men of the match: Kentoine Jennings (Vasco), Gregg Smith (St. George's).

Referee: Esten Curtis.