-- Concise Oxford Dictionary Sunday's FA Cup semi-final victory by Devonshire Cougars came as a result of "pride'' according to coach Mark Jennings and that, he said, is what will determine whether the club remains a part of the First Division after this season.

If maintained Cougars have a chance of winning their final three league matches. If not they doom themselves to the dust-heap that is the Second Division.

Jennings was speaking immediately after Sunday's match at White Hill field against St. George's, which ended in controversy over the validity of a late winner scored by Cougars' midfielder Wali Salaam.

The coach deflected questions over whether the goal should have been awarded or not, simply saying: "These things happen. We'll certainly take it (victory).'' He was much happier to talk about the win itself and what it could do for the team mentally in their quest to avoid relegation.

"The emotion is real high. The last time we were here (reached the final) I was a soccer student of (Winston) Coe Trott and it's good to get back and be able to represent the club.

"This is a morale boost for the rest of the season and hopefully we can capitalise on the emotion.

"The difference was that our team came out with pride instilled within themselves. We came together after all the adversity -- we've been through a lot -- and really did an excellent job in terms of maintaining character.'' Still, the first year coach, who took over a floundering side midway through the first half of the season, was under no illusion as to the battle that lay ahead, one which will have to be fought without the services several wounded warriors.

Change has been the rule as of late, with Jennings and co-head coach VANBI (Melvin) Holdipp constantly being forced to reshuffle the line-up as the casualty list mounts.

However, this does not change the bottom line, that victories are needed -- three to be exact -- and even then survival is not certain.

Three league matches remain, with Cougars ninth with 10 points, three points behind St. George's and four adrift of PHC.

Jennings offers no excuses.

"The job has to be done and these are the men who have to do it.

"I'm not telling any lies, we're not fit, but at this point in the season we have to work with what we've got.'' As for the FA Cup final, which has them tackling defending champions Vasco on April 9, Jennings attempted to play down the prospect, although it was clearly on the minds of spectators and players alike.

He expressed great respect for Vasco, especially their defence, which he indicated could pose problems if they attacked solely up the middle.

"We'll have to try and go wide and spread the defence and then come in with the attack. I don't think we'll be able to go straight up the middle and we'll need to be quicker on the ball,'' explained Jennings. "We'll go there and go at Vasco from the opening whistle. We look forward to the encounter as a challenge.

"We know we'll have our work cut out, but in the end it doesn't matter if we win or lose, I'll still be proud of this team just for the way they have come together this season after all the tribulations.'' MARK JENNINGS -- Morale boost for rest of season.