Vasco maintained their unbeaten record in the First Division despite having to play the entire second half of this encounter against Devonshire Colts a man short.

Volatile midfielder Derek Thomas received his marching orders from referee Stuart Crockwell minutes prior to the interval.

However, Colts failed to capitalise on this advantage in the second period, allowing the visitors to escape from Frog Lane with a 1-1 draw and a share of the points.

"One point away from home ... that's what we want!'' exclaimed Vasco coach Danny Seymour after the final whistle had sounded. "When they come up to PHC it's gonna be two!'' Still, the situation looked bleak for Seymour's crew as they marched out for the second half, and their hopes grew dimmer as the youthful Colts proceeded to run rampant, camping in their opponents' half, taking pot shots at goal.

Keenan Tucker, though, proved equal to the test, continually thwarting his opponents' advances through a string of fine saves.

It was a far cry from an exciting first half, where each side enjoyed a fair share of the play.

Vasco were the first to make their presence felt, surging ahead after just four minutes on a goal from striker Ricky Mallory.

Full-back Colin Lloyd, getting his first start of the season, overlapped on the left side and his cross was just partially cleared by the defence to Voorhees Astwood, whose return into the middle found Mallory free near the penalty spot. The latter calmly controlled before volleying past an exposed Antoine Lightbourne in goal for Colts.

Vasco continued to press after this early strike and almost increased their lead.

The speedy Irving Burgess was able to control a ball delivered by Thomas close to goal before inexplicably blasting his volley wide of the mark in the eighth minute.

Colts' first chance came a minute later when sweeper Derek Wright floated a perfect ball from deep to an unmarked Mark Ray near the edge of the penalty area, only to have Ray race his effort over the top.

The equaliser eventually came in the 27th minute via the penalty spot as Keishon Smith was manhandled by Dennis Brown in the area.

Ellington Weldon gave Tucker no chance, calmly burying the spot-kick in the left corner.

Heading toward the half, both teams' attacks looked dangerous as Vasco appeared vulnerable in defence against the speed and elusiveness of opposing forwards Quincey Aberdeen, Weldon and Smith and the overlapping of full-back Keenan Burchall, while Colts' back-line suffered mostly because of casual play by Wright.

The end result served notice to the rest of the league that Vasco will be no pushovers and that they have the skill and experience to compete.

Devonshire Colts: A.Lightbourne; K.Burchall, J.Samuels, D.Wright, L.Hypolite; D.Williams, M.Ray, G.Burt; Q.Aberdeen (C.Smith, 66 mins), E.Weldon, K.Smith (H.Trott, 44 mins).

Vasco: K.Tucker; C.Lloyd, D.Brown, D.Livingston, C.Ainscough; D.Thomas, P.Towlson (E.Richardson, 29 mins), K.Roberts, V.Astwood; R.Mallory, I.Burgess.

Referee: Stuart Crockwell.

Men of the match: Keenan Burchall (Devonshire Colts); Keenan Tucker (Vasco).