Somerset Trojans 0

Devonshire Cougars 0

Somerset Trojans' bid for a first league win of the season continues after the West Enders battled to a stalemate against visiting Devonshire Cougars on a chilly afternoon at Somerset Cricket Club yesterday.

While the result might give a Trojans side still reeling from a mass exodus of players a morale booster, the same cannot be said for the Big Cats who lost further ground on the league leaders and must now win their next league encounter against Ireland Rangers and hope that either Dandy Town, Boulevard or Devonshire Colts slip up if they are to qualify for this year's Premier's Dudley Eve Cup.

League leaders PHC and second-placed North Village both qualified for the festive cup competition over the weekend, leaving Cougars, Hornets, Blazers and Colts - who all have eight-points - to battle for the remaining two spots.

Cougars were the better side and they could have easily had the match all sewn up by the break had they taken their chances.

Trojans also had chances but in the end they had to be content with a draw that still leaves them anchored in the relegation zone after six rounds.

Trojans started promisingly and nearly made Cougars pay for some sloppy defending after 'keeper Ricardo Brangman spilled the ball in the box under pressure. But the Big Cats were spared the blushes as defender Kijuan Franks - who later required treatment to a nasty gash above his right eye sustained in a challenge with Somerset's Dwight Basden - was on hand to clear the lines.

Trojans' early raid on goal seemed to serve as a wake up call for Cougars who then attacked with more purpose. With the wind at their backs they kept their hosts pinned in their own half for long spells.

Although Kwame Steede was not at his best, the Cougars captain still proved to be a thorn in Trojans' side with his clever off -the-ball running and creativity whenever in attack mode. But his usually reliable finishing left much to be desired on this occassion.

Steede went close midway through the half when he found the side netting after pouncing all over Joshua Buterfield's well-measured pass.

But Cougars' best chance fell to young midfielder Randy Robinson who inexplicably curled the ball wide with only Trojans' custodian Timmy Figureido to contend with. Figureido also produced a fine save at the near post to turn back a thunderous Kwame Steede blast.

Having absorbed all that Cougars could throw at them, Trojans finished the half strongly and should have grabbed the lead when Jelani (Roots) Butterfield broke free up the middle. But instead of pulling the trigger Butterfield tried to walk the ball into the net, allowing Brangman to race off his line and snuff out the danger.

Both teams played in spurts after the break and continued to spurn chances.

Cougars threatened first with Figureido blocking Kwame Steede's point-blank shot and Tumaini Steede blasting the loose rebound over the bar.

Trojans responded with Adolphus Lambert going close with a swirling free-kick and youngster Dane Benjamin - one of six Trojans booked in the match - hurrying a shot wide with time and space at his leisure.

Somerset Trojans: T.Figureido, M.Butterfield, A.Lambert, J.Tucker, D.Minors, D.Benjamin, J.Butterfield, S.Mendes, D.Basden (R.Bascome, 75 mins), J.Scott (capt), M.Thomas (C.Robinson, 65 mins).

Devonshire Cougars: R.Brangman, J.Butterfield, D.Cox, K.Franks, J.DeShield, M.Steede, O.Butterfield, R.Robinson (M.Smith, 80 mins), C.Caisey (K.Goddard, 89 mins), T.Steede, K.Steede (capt).

Yellow cards: J.Tucker, D.Benjamin, J.Butterfield, S.Mendes, J.Scott, M.Thomas (Trojans).–Men of the match: D.Benjamin (Trojans); K.Steede (Cougars).–Referee: George O'Brien.