Vasco can count themselves lucky they found Boulevard in such an early festive mood during this First Division match at Lord's yesterday.

The home side handed the league champions a point in a game which they should have wrapped up by the interval.

Instead of taking their numerous chances and finishing off good build-ups, time and time again Boulevard's attack failed miserably where it mattered most -- in front of goal.

A clear example came when striker Stevie Wade, smartly put through on a breakaway by Dwight Warren, astonishingly fired his shot right at goalkeeper Timmy Figureido who gratefully palmed it clear with just four minutes left in the game.

And that wasn't the only gift handed out by Boulevard on a day when Vasco struggled to find their rhythm against a defence well marshalled by Leroy Stevens and Herbie Bascome.

Boulevard's frustrations were apparent early on and it was largely because of their lacklustre finishing that full back Amon Brown was provoked into firing three long shots at goal just prior to the interval.

Vasco, though, had the clearest of chances in the first half but midfielder Shawn Smith was unlucky when his effort from a Steven Arorash pass skimmed off the outside of the post after seven minutes.

After the re-start, Sammy Swan angled a shot at goalkeeper Mitchell Steede and Vasco forced three consecutive corners. But it wasn't a sign of things to come. Boulevard clawed their way back and were able to advance deep into Vasco's half, although again poor finishing let them down.

After 62 minutes Vernon Eve got a through ball from Wade but the midfielder made a mess of things and was blocked by the advancing Figureido befor getting off a shot.

And after 76 minutes both Rodney Bascome and Warren completely miskicked a cross from Neil Robinson when they were only eight yards out and unchallenged.

Vasco responded during a rare attack with centreback Paul Towlson sending a hard drive from 19 yards at goalkeeper Steede.

Boulevard: M.Steede; A.Brown, H.Bascome (M.Trott, 79 mins), L.Stevens, A.Caisey; V.Eve (D.Bean, 80 mins), N.Robinson, S.Worrell; R.Bascome, D.Warren, S.Wade.

Vasco: T.Figureido; T.Dickinson, K.Jennings, P.Towlson, S.Gibbons; S.Arorash, V.Astwood, S.Smith; F.Simmons (A.DaCosta (80 mins), S.Swan (D.Basden, 70 mins), C.Hill.

Referee: Stuart Crockwell Men of the match: Boulevard (Leroy Stevens); Vasco (Kentoine Jennings)