Somerset 3

Devonshire Colts 0

Somerset Trojans deployed some early trick or treating at Somerset Cricket Club where they handed previously unbeaten "Hallowe'en" boys Devonshire Colts a comprehensive 3-0 defeat.

Two opportunistic strikes either side of the interval by Dion Stovell and another early first-half goal from former Colt Damon Ming saw the home team register their second league win of the season while also avenging an earlier 2-1 Martonmere Cup loss to the visitors.

Yesterday's win also saw Trojans move into second place on goal difference over Colts who suffered their first loss of the early season and also relinquished their tentative grip on first place.

To add to Colts' woes, key defender McKonnen Hollis and top poacher Aljame Zuill both limped off injured during the second half and are now doubtful for their team's all-important Martonmere Cup semi-final clash with Devonshire Cougars tomorrow night - though the return of captain Shannon Burgess was a welcome sight for the visitors.

However, not even his presence at the back could thwart a Trojan attack that despite the absence of former Colt Marvin Belboda still packed enough punch to get the job done.

"We came out here today to prove a point," said Trojans manager Franklyn Simmons.

"The guys are really focused and they really want to win something for the club this season and it's been a long time since we've won a piece of silverware."

The way Trojans ran at their guests from the off they just may be onto something as Stovell gave his team an early lead in the seventh minute when he intercepted a poor clearance, dribbled some ten yards and rounded onrushing Colts' 'keeper Cymande Davis before slotting into an empty net.

Hardly before the home team celebrations had muted, Ming doubled Trojans lead in similar fashion when another half-hearted clearance bounced into the path of Dwight Basden who squared a low pass into the box. The diminutive forward made no mistake with a low drive that beat Davis at the near post to give his team a commanding 2-0 lead.

Though on the day Colts' chances would be few and far apart, Zuill almost made Somerset defender Gary Ray pay dearly after he allowed a long high ball to bounce deep into his own area. However, the wiry forward fell to the ground and had a desperate plea for a penalty ignored. Colts' Julian Francis and Kevin Simpson also had chances go wide.

Trojans picked up where they left off following the break and it wasn't long before Stovell had the home crowd again scrambling to their feet, this time after Colts' Jamal Simmons presented him with the easiest of chances by failing to get to a deep Karl Roberts' cross from out on the left flank. That allowed Stovell to slip through the back door and fire home from close range.

Trojans 'keeper Timmy Figureido then ensured a shut out when he dived low to his right to rob Colts' substitute Holder of a late consolation.

Somerset will now look to carry this momentum into tomorrow night's Martonmere Cup semi-final clash against PHC.

Somerset: T.Figureido, J.Martin, G.Ray, R.Scott, A.Rahman, K.Roberts, S.Riley (D.Lawler, 69 mins), T.Davis, D.Basden (R.Simons, 59 mins), D.Ming, D.Stovell (M.Smith, 80 mins).

Devonshire Colts: C.Davis, S.Burgess, M.Hollis (L.Holder, 60 mins), S.Waldron, S.Mendes, K.Simpson, J.Simmons, J.Francis, J.Dill (Jer.Belboda, 65 mins), A.Zuill, A.Thomas.

Booked: J.Martin (Somerset).

Men of the match: D.Stovell (Somerset); J.Francis (Colts).

Referee: L.Raynor.