Devonshire Cougars 3

Dandy Town 0

Devarr Boyles made a winning start to league play with his new club as Devonshire Cougars swept aside Dandy Town at St. John's Field yesterday.

Boyles, who last season coached Town, returned to his old club and came away with three vital points on the first day of the new campaign, thus making a statement to the rest of the league that his men will not lay down this term.

"It is always critical to get off the mark with three points and to do it away from home is great," said Boyles. "We are ecstatic with the win. This is a step in the right direction."

Cougars came out of the blocks with more vigour and determination than their hosts and it was no surprise that they were up 2-0 within the first 30 minutes, courtesy of Ijahmon Mallory and Moses Steede.

Mallory put Cougars ahead after 24 minutes after he was left unmarked at the penalty spot to latch onto a Tumaini Steede corner, beating goalkeeper Mikkail Crockwell with a downward header.

And three minutes later a deflected shot fell to the feet of Steede who picked his spot and slotted the ball in off the post.

Both sides made changes as the match remained at 2-0 in the second half but it was Town who were again breached, this time by Cougars skipper Kwame Steede in the 72nd minute.

Steede was the recipient of a well-weighted through ball from the midfield and with all the composure and vision of a veteran, he planted his into the back of the net, putting the result beyond doubt.

In the end it was a deserved result for Cougars as they never allowed Town to get comfortable.

"This game wasn't about me, it was about Town versus Cougars and in the end the result is what really matters," Boyles continued. "In the grand scheme of things, it is just three points.

"We approached this match how we would any other match. We like to keep with the correct balance and work together as a unit.

"I can't say enough. It was a good performance by the players and I am pleased. Very happy."

Dandy Town: M.Crockwell, M.Campbell, D.Signor, E.Signor, B.Minors, S.Furbert (K.Mundy), L.Furbert, L.Dill, H.Wolfe (G.Dickson), R.Beach, A.Russell

Devonshire Cougars: R.Brangman, J.Butterfield, O.Butterfield, I.Mallory, D.Cox, S.Brangman, R.Robinson, M.Steede (D.Eve), T.Steede (R.Swan), K.Steede, M.Steede (L.Brangman)

Referee: A.Mouchette

Yellow cards: M.Campbell (D.Town), M.Steede (D.Cougars)

Men of the match: S.Brangman (D.Cougars; R.Beach (D.Town)