By Matt Westcott

Dev Cougars 1 N.Village 2

Despite a lacklustre opener against Devonshire Cougars, North Village coach Scott Morton believes his side will be in the end of season shake-up.

The Red Devils had to battle hard for their 2-1 victory at Devonshire Rec. yesterday, goals from Jamaul Boyles and Kentoine Jennings in each half ensuring the win.

Raymond Beach had brought Cougars level on the stroke of half-time but they were not able to make the most of a plethora of chances they carved out during the 90 minutes.

Morton, who had a fine debut season at the helm last year, believes continuity will be the key to success this season.

"I think we are capable of going all the way, even as far as the league championship is concerned," said Morton. "We haven't lost any players so we should be the most consistent team.

"If we recognise that as a team we shouldn't have too many problems going forth in the later part of the season."

Morton said he knew yesterday's game, against Village's crosstown rivals, would not be an easy one.

"As I told the players initially at the pre-game talk anytime you are playing against Cougars it is going to be a derby," he said. "It has to be a thinking game. Whichever team can come up with the best tactical plan over the 90 minutes will come out victorious."

Despite his pep talk, Village did not appear to have taken Morton's advice on board in the opening stages.

The opening goal, in the 28th minute, came against the run of play.

Arthur Simons, who later left the game with suspected concussion, played in a superb ball from the left, Dwight Warren chested it down and Boyles fired in hard and low from the edge of the box past Ricardo Brangman.

But the anticipated domination that a goal normally brings did not materialise from Village, and instead Cougars were able to get themselves back on level terms.

Four minutes before the break Raymond Beach broke into the box from the left, rode one challenge and, despite his proximity to the byeline, crashed a rapier drive into the far corner.

Morton admitted the equaliser, so close to half-time, upset his men.

"They were deflated but I didn't pick on any one individual. It had to be case of them wanting the game more than the opponents. And if that happens then the things that we have worked on will naturally come out in our play."

That proved to be the case in the second-period, because although Cougars continued to forge openings they were not able to punish Village who ultimately put away one of their few chances in the 76th minute to clinch the points.

Morton paid tribute to his match winner who powered in a header after rising unchallenged from a corner."Kentoine is always a die-hard player. He is the one who wants to win it the most and it shows in his game. Sometimes he can be a bit indisciplined but at other times it pays off," he said.

Cougars: R.Brangman, S.Smith, G.Butterfield, D.Brangman, E.Richardson, K.Goddard, C.Darrell (R.Clacken, 87 mins), M.Smith (S.Hewey, 73 mins), W.Salaam (J.Salaam, 62 mins), H.Wolffe, R.Beach.

Village: Z.Hendrickson, J.Thomas, A.Simons (K.Binns, 67 mins), K.Jennings, M.Hansey, J.Boyles, K.Dill (D.Thomas, 73 mins), T.Outerbridge, D.Warren, J.Davis (Q.Paynter, 59 mins), V.Tankard.

Bookings: K.Goddard, E.Richardson (Cougars).

Men of the match: R.Beach (Cougars); M.Hansey (Village).

Referee: G.O'Brien.

In women's competition at Devonshire Rec., Rude Girls hit a hat-trick of hat-tricks in a 10-1 victory over Robin Hood. Chevonne Furbert, Tamisha Darrell and Juanita Smith all hit three goals each, Erika Russell netting the other. Jennifer Bailey scored for Hood.