Dandy Town 0

Somerset Eagles 1

Defending Friendship Trophy champions Dandy Town were booted from that tournament in a first-round encounter of high drama against Somerset Eagles last night.

A single strike by substitute Darren Dowling was enough for ten-man Eagles to doom the cup holders and current Premier League leaders to a 1-0 shock defeat at Devonshire Rec.

Gary Mallory's team overcame tall odds - losing dependable defender Desmond Burgess to a red card, missing a penalty and withstanding one of the Island's most potent attacks - to savour a well-deserved victory.

“Our emphasis was on playing as a team. We know the results will come with good team performances and that's what we tried to do,” explained coach Mallory as his players whooped with delight in their changing room.

Several Eagles members were high in praise for their obvious Man-of-the-Match, goalkeeper Adrian Burrows who was absolutely phenomenal between the uprights, inspiring his team-mates with several saves as he denied Town time and again. The man with the gloves dedicated his heroics to his new son LaZai born on Monday

For all Eagles' doggedness, though, Town had only themselves to blame for the outcome.

They dominated possession and had great opportunities to score, especially during a prolonged period in the second half when they had the opposition goal under siege.

“What can I say. Sometimes we just didn't match their effort. Even when they went down a man they were still in the game.

“We had enough chances to have won two games. Form is a funny thing,” noted Town coach Devarr Boyles, complimenting their rivals with whom they clash again Sunday when league action resumes.

After a fruitless first half with little shout about except for one or two good saves by either keeper, Town got off to a busy start in the second session. Chris Anderson and Khano Smith eluded the crossbar from distance while Burrows brought off a brilliant diving catch from a hard, accurate Carlos Smith shot on the edge of the box.

In a build-up at the other end, Eagles dynamo Lamaul Crofton was fouled as he was goal-bound by Randy Swan. However, the resulting penalty by Sean Simmons was hauled in by Town custodian Cymande Davis, flinging himself to the left.

Town continued to have wasted chances. A Maurice Lowe header that just missed its target; a soft shot from Carlos Smith who only had Burrows to beat after dancing through midfield and a low, driving effort from a tight angle by hard-working Jared Peniston were the best they produced. Khano Smith, Town's top striker, was uncharacteristically off mark.

Other explorations into Eagles territory were stoutly resisted by Burrows with the help of Musceo Hunt and Adolphus Lambert after Burgess was ejected for a second bookable offence in the 59th minute.

The game hinged on a lone incident in the 79th minute when Eagles were awarded a free kick just outside the box as Crofton was again sent sprawling. Hunt's initial effort was rejected by Davis but the latter fumbled the ball and Dowling - on the pitch just nine minutes - capitalised on this error.

“I always think positive and tonight things fell my way,” said the 24-year-old as last season's beaten Friendship Trophy finalists celebrated.

Earlier, two goals (24th and 72nd minutes) by David Hunt guided Paget past St. George's 2-0 in First Division Shield action.

Dandy Town: C.Davis, J.Robinson (J.Warren, 45 mins), D.Lawler, R.Swan, C.Anderson (S.Tuzo, 80 mins), L.Furbert, M.Lowe, C.Smith, L.Dill (R.Tucker, 45 mins), J.Peniston, K.Smith.

Somerset Eagles: A.Burrows, A.Lambert, D.Burgess, M.Hunt, K.Simon, S.Simmons, J.Butterfield, L.Crofton, J.Tucker (N.Smith, 67 mins), S.Dill, R.Wilson (D.Dowling, 70 mins).

Sent off: D.Burgess (Somerset, 59 mins).

Booked: R.Swan (Dandy Town).

Men of the Match: J.Peniston (Dandy Town), A.Burrows (Somerset).

Referee: R.Knight.