Saturday was a special night for Somerset and Josef Gooden. Not only did it mark the initial season triumph, but it gave Gooden his first victory as head coach of the Trojans.

Even though it took four matches and encompassed some 360 minutes it was no less gratifying to Gooden, who succeeded Larry (Muscles) Hunt, and he could point to one man, midfielder Curtis Grant, as the reason for the win because it was his searing left-footed volley that sunk Vasco, allowing for the result.

"It's always nice to eventually win the first one,'' said Gooden, appearing somewhat relieved to have finally gotten off the mark. "It's definitely a good break (to win), the team has been playing well, but just haven't got the breaks.'' Still it wasn't until the 29th minute, when Grant stepped to the fore, that the west enders were able to fulfill some of the early promise.

After an uneventful first 20 minutes where neither side were able to stamp any authority on the proceedings, with little in terms of shots and constantly fizzling attacks, Grant took matters into his own hands -- or rather feet.

Buried in almost a full-back type role, the stylish left-sided player showed himself to be no slouch going forward.

While Somerset co-captain Reggie Tucker shaped up to take a right side free-kick, Grant picked a spot outside the penalty area as his own and it proved the perfect area. This as defender's Kentoine Jennings' attempted head clearance fell directly on his trusted left boot and in one flowing motion Grant unleashed a thunderous volley which converted the entire defence into spectators, including goal-keeper Keenan Tucker, rocketing into the right corner of goal.

Nevertheless, the effort failed to raise the level of play as each reverted to the kick-and-run style with little inclination toward the opposing goal.

"It's definitely a worry with our guys not yet confident enough in their shooting the ball,'' said Gooden of the anaemic Trojan frontline that has managed just two goals in four matches. "The guys need to take initiative to shoot, rather than taking the extra touch which often makes it harder.'' There was a scary moment for Vasco, who have yet to win under new coach Jack Castle, when Albert (Tiger) Wolffe was taken off with blood streaming from the head area in the first half, although he was later found to be only slightly worse for wear.

Meanwhile, the second half was a near carbon copy of the first -- without the goal -- as spectators were forced to endure more mediocrity on the pitch.

One of the few glittering moments came courtesy of Vasco's Frankie Simmons, who rifled a shot inches over the bar in the 72nd minute to sighs from the Vasco faithful.

And even when the shots were on target Somerset 'keeper Andre Hendrickson was equal to the task, producing a masterful performance.

Vasco: K.Tucker; S.Gibbons, K.Jennings, E.Richardson, D.Stapley; F.Simmons, M.Ray, V.Astwood; A.Wolffe (D.Thomas 44 mins), D.Basden, I.Burgess (L.Durham 77) Somerset: A.Hendrickson; P.Place, A.Rahman, J.Burrows, S.Roberts; C.Grant (K.Bailey 79 mins), R.Tucker, S.Arorash, A.Bailey; J.Webb, L.Crofton (R.Bascome 73) Referee: Roddy Burchall Men of the match: Kentoine Jennings (Vasco), Andre Hendrickson (Somerset)