the Martonmere Cup were put on hold when they were beaten by Devonshire Colts.

The east-enders, beaten for the first time by Colts in the league in two seasons, were floored by two goals from skipper Ellington Weldon and a third from by Quincey Aberdeen in this First Division game at Frog Lane field.

Victory would have virtually ensured the east east-enders of a place in the prestigious cup competition next season. However defeat now leaves them in the unenviable position of having to pull off victory in a home clash against championship contenders Dandy Town next Sunday.

St. George's, who got goals from centre-half Phillip Bailey and substitute Melvin Simmons, let the home team know early that they would be no pushovers by snatching an early lead with Bailey scoring after just two minutes.

Although clearly stunned by the setback, Devonshire Colts quickly settled down but the St. George's defence, marshalled well by scorer Bailey, refused to yield.

Devonshire Colts had enough chances to score during the first half but striker Joey Weeks, Keishon Smith and Aberdeen could do no better than come within inches of the post with their long-range efforts.

In between several assaults staged by Devonshire Colts, St. George's were often able to counter-attack and most of their raids were spearheaded by Clay Smith who twice struck fierce shots from an angle on the right that sailed just inches over the goal.

After 23 minutes, though, Smith watched in agony after he neatly beat two defenders only to see his close-range shot brilliantly pushed for a corner by the diving goalkeeper Andre Hendrickson.

However, in the second half, the home team quickly took the initiative with Keishon Smith slamming a shot at 'keeper Troy Hall from an angle close in on the left after 52 minutes.

Then, the busy Aberdeen created the equaliser when he skillfully dribbled by two defenders and crossed for Weldon to head the ball home from close range after 56 minutes.

But the goal that ruined St. George's came four minutes later when Hall, who was heading toward man-of-the-match honours at that stage, stunned everyone when he failed to collect a grounder from Aberdeen.

Hall, thinking that the shot would sail harmlessly wide of the far post, held his head in dismay as it curled into the goal to the disbelief of his team-mates.

Now encouraged by the one-goal lead Devonshire Colts took control against St.

George's who were losing punch up front with Clay Smith tiring and no longer a major threat up front.

Keishon Smith missed a sitter after 66 minutes when he put a shot over from just six yards after Jermel Belboda crossed. But the youngster made up for that mistake shortly aftwards when he provided the cross for Weldon to make it 3-1 from close range.

St. George's fought hard after 88 minutes and were rewarded when substitute Simmons scored from 10 yards after beating two defenders down the right flank.

But time just was not on their side.

Devonshire Colts: A.Hendrickson; J.Belboda, D.Wright, J.Samuels, A.Wilson; L.Hypolite, M.Ray, Q.Aberdeen; K.Smith, J.Weeks (V.Ball, 78 mins), E.Weldon.

St. George's: T.Hall; A.Todd, P.Bailey, D.Richardson, D.Bailey; M.Outerbridge, S.Gibbons (C.Greaves, 70 mins), D.Walker; D.Whitfield (M.Simmons, 86 mins), C.Smith, G.Foggo.

Referee: Esten Curtis.

Men of the match: Quincey Aberdeen (Devonshire Colts); Phillip Bailey (St.

George's).

SAFE HANDS -- St. George's goalkeeper Troy Hall gets down well to save from Ellington Weldon, but he would later rue an error in judgement that resulted in Colts' winning goal at Frog Lane field yesterday.