Inexperience and defensive errors cost North Village dear as they succumbed to Vasco at Bernard Park where Sinclair Gibbons netted a hat-trick.

Despite having much of the possession, North Village rarely threatened, with their final ball lacking and the opposition content to sit back and soak up the pressure.

Two of Gibbons' goals came from set pieces and the other a tap-in, which highlighted the fragility of the home team's back line.

Vasco coach John Rebello said they had been working on set pieces all week and was pleased their hard work had paid dividends.

"They (North Village) were younger and fitter than us, but we have a lot more experience and it paid off,'' he said. "In the second half we knew they would come at us, so we dropped off and let them play.'' The first five minutes brought Vasco's opener. A corner was swung over in the strong wind and Gibbons, completely unmarked, nodded in.

Goalkeeper Shervin Jennings, who looked vulnerable and lacking in confidence until he was substituted for Gladwin Edness, held the ball but it had already crossed the line.

Shortly before the half-hour, Vasco made it 2-0 with a replica of the first goal. This time Gibbons, was able to pull back to the edge of the box and loop his header over Jennings.

In between North Village had some useful attacks, with Peter Mahoney and Sergio Goater linking well down the right side. Their best moments came down the right flank, exposing space left by Vasco's three centre backs.

Mahoney had a shot blocked after good work by Goater, and Kofi Dill's shot was well saved after he had cut inside.

Shortly before half-time their pressure paid off when Michael Hansey was tripped inside the box. Player-coach Kenny Thompson led by example and converting the kick.

North Village pressurised for much of the second half but couldn't break down a resolute and well organised Vasco defence. Good approach work petered out by the Vasco area when not enough players were committed to the attack.

The final nail came in the final minutes Arthur Simons gave the ball straight to Raynel Lightbourne, who crossed to an unmarked Gibbons to sweep home his and Vasco's third.

North Village team manager Maceo Dill lamented the poor defending but said his team had worked hard to get back in the game.

"It was all to do with the decision making that comes with maturity,'' he said.

North Village: S.Jennings (G.Edness), M.Hansey, R.Spence, K.Dill, A.Simons, P.Mahoney (D.Jennings), S.Goater, J.Boyles, K.Dill (J.Smith), K.Thompson, J.Jennings.

Vasco: T.Figuerido, D.Stapley, K. Jennings, C.Roberts, W.Augustus, D.Robinson, O.Steede, T.Outerbridge, S. Gibbons (D.Sharrief), K.Jennings (R.Lightbourne), D.Basden (E.Richardson).

Referee: Leroy Wilson Men of the match: Sergio Goater (Village) Sinclair Gibbons (Vasco).

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