A depleted Vasco dominated the second half of this clash of two of the top teams in the Coca Cola First Division but had to rely on a late Earl Richardson penalty to earn them a point at PHC Stadium.

The result at least eased the pressure on coach John Rebello. He had seen his side, hit by injuries and suspensions, trip up at Southampton Rangers two weeks ago and again in the Martonmere Cup Final last Tuesday and with five minutes to go of this disappointing affair was looking a third successive defeat in the face.

Colts' keeper Troy Hall had just made a superb save, parrying Taur Caisey's shot from close range after Clay Smith's chipped free-kick had been deflected into the substitute's path, when referee Richard Knights spotted a handball in their area.

Richardson's penalty was weak and Hall got his hand to it, but could only help it into the roof of the net. Earlier, on the stroke of half-time, Knights had disallowed a stunning header from centre back Paul Towlson, who bulleted Ottis Steede's accurate curling free-kick from the right past Hall. As Towlson celebrated with the Vasco fans behind the goal, Knights spotted a linesman's flag and after conferring, awarded Colts a free-kick.

Vasco coach John Rebellos said afterwards: "I felt it was a little unjust having the goal taken away from us, but there seems to be something like that every week. But I'll leave the officiating to the officials.'' He added: "It was very important to get a point. I felt we could have won this game. Both sides played horrible football in the first half, but we totally dominated the second.'' Colts, defending league champions, had taken the lead in 37th minute of a first half spoiled by a swirling wind and bumpy pitch.

Vasco's defenders failed to clear their lines after a hopeful ball landed in their midst and when it dropped to Tito Smith on the edge of the box he steered a low left-foot shot to Timmy Figuerido's left. Kershion Smith had earlier missed a fine opportunity as a long ball bypassed the Vasco rearguard, but his volley crashed against the post.

Devonshire Colts: T.Hall, Jermal Belboda, S.Burgess, M.Hollis, N.Bascome (S.Waldron 50 mins), V.Ball, J.Samuels, R.Jones (H.Trott 65 mins), Jermaine Belboda, K.Smith, T.Smith (T.Harvey 89 mins) Vasco: T.Figuerido, Kentoine Jennings, P.Towlson, E.Richardson, D.Stapley, O.Steede, Keith Jennings, T.Darrell (C.Smith 65mins), K.Smith (T.Caisey 65 mins), D.Livingston, D.Basden Referee: Richard Knights Men of the match: T.Hall (Colts); O.Steede (Vasco) ON THE MOVE - Otis Steede of Vasco (left) gets the edge on his Devonshire opponent as they fight for possession during yesterday's clash at PHC.