will be able to help St. David's in their battle to survive their first season in the First Division.

Pace has been out of action with a broken ankle since October 10 when St.

David's shocked PHC 3-2 to record their first win.

And although the team's new strike pair of Jerry Laws and Kanhai Fray has done well in their first season together, Pace is anxious to recover in time to help the team.

Pace had the cast on his foot for six weeks and has had it off for the same period of time. On Saturday against BAA, though, he tested the ankle in an Alliance Division match when he came on as a sub in the final 20 minutes. He admits there could be some way to go before he regains full fitness.

"There was still a lot of pain and I wasn't able to put the heel of the foot down properly,'' said Pace, who saw his therapist this week. He said she estimated it would be another couple of weeks before he is able to jog properly.

St. David's picked up their third win of the season last weekend against Hotels to stay two points ahead of St. George's near the bottom of the standings and this weekend they face a tricky FA Cup tie against Second Division leaders Vasco.

"I think our chances of staying up are great,'' Pace said. "I'm still giving my support around the bench area of the team.'' The freak injury came when Pace's right foot landed in a hole as he was preparing to kick with his left foot in the 20th minute.

JAMES PACE -- Out of action since October 10.