Despite having skipper Earl Richardson sent off for kicking goalkeeper Mitchell Steede after just 42 minutes, Vasco managed to hold on and take a deserved point from this First Division clash at PHC Stadium yesterday.

Handicapped by the absence of the left full back for the entire second half, Vasco still produced much of the character they displayed in earning an FA Cup final berth last week when beating PHC 3-1 at Southampton Oval.

Richardson was sent off by referee Esten Curtis, claiming he retaliated after being elbowed by the goalkeeper during a challenge.

But the Vasco skipper only had himself to blame as his team had just scored the equaliser and he might have been celebrating with his fellow players rather than getting involved in a melee.

It was from Kentoine Jennings' short indirect free kick inside the penalty box that Corey Hill thundered the ball home just under the bar with three minutes left in the half.

Players from both sides got caught up in some shoving as the shot sailed home and a fallen Richardson quickly got up off the ground and fired a kick at the goalkeeper that got him into trouble.

Curtis moved swiftly to settle things and it was his timely intervention that prevented anything more serious, other than pushing and shoving, during the three-minute stoppage.

Until that sad turn of events Boulevard had held a 1-0 edge, taking the early initiative after 19 minutes from the penalty spot.

Centre-half Paul Towlson brought down Dwight Warren in the penalty box and right full back Dean Boyles made his spot kick good.

Play was fast and exhilarating afterwards but neither team were able to take a decisive edge.

Vasco managed to catch themselves shortly after the setback with Hill a constant worry to the defence with his menacing runs down the left flank as the hard-working Karl Roberts and Mark Ray created openings in midfield. Hill twice headed crosses over goal while during counter attacks Stevie Wade and Vernon Eve sent shots wide of the post.

After 38 minutes an error by Richardson let Michael Holdipp through and the midfielder's blast from an angle close in on the right was brilliantly pushed for a corner by Timmy Figureido.

With Towlson and Jennings towers of strength in defence, Boulevard found the going rough and struggled to gain command.

Hill remained troublesome during Vasco's counter attacks while Boulevard often advanced deep into their opponent's half although seldom were able to get off shots.

Their best chance came after 82 minutes when Figureido dived to save a shot from Wade from 16 yards. Two minutes later the goalkeeper saved a firm effort from substitute Kenny Hill inside the penalty box.

Vasco: T.Figuerido; D.Stapley, K.Jennings, P.Towlson, E.Richardson; K.Roberts, M.Ray, S.Gibbons; I.Burgess, D.Basden (K.Dill, 82 mins), C.Hill.

Boulevard: M.Steede; D.Boyles, L.Stevens, W.Richardson, A.Caisey; G.Smith, K.Darrell, M.Holdipp (J.Boyles, 80 mins), D.Warren; S.Wade, V.Eve (K.Hill, 61 mins).

Referee: Esten Curtis Men of the match: Paul Towlson (Vasco); Kenny Darrell (Boulevard).