North Village moved to the top of the Coca Cola First Division as they held off a late flurry by former leaders PHC at Bernard Park yesterday.

The Red Devils owed their success to veteran goalkeeper Carlyle Crockwell, who showed that his reflexes have not dimmed with age, producing a string of spectacular saves to deny his former team-mates after Village had taken the lead through a Dennis Robinson second half penalty.

Crockwell was at his best in the crucial dying moments, constantly denying the Zebras' strike-force led by Shawn Simons and Sammy Swan as they searched for the elusive equaliser.

Swan, Sheridan Ming and Simons all had efforts rejected. Simons forced the most sensational stop on the stroke of full-time as his firm header, which appeared destined for the low left corner, was superbly pushed out by a Crockwell going full-length to his right.

As the final whistle blew it was Crockwell being congratulated by team-mates and fans for his heroics, much to the chagrin of PHC.

The result halted PHC's three match winning streak and saw them drop two spaces to third behind Village and Somerset, who remain in second place.

Singing the praises of his 'keeper after the match was North Village coach Robert Calderon, obviously aware that it was he who stood between his side collecting maximum points and sharing the spoils.

"That's what we pay him for and we're grateful, that's his job out there on the field,'' said Calderon. "It was said with Streaker (Dwayne Adams) leaving during the summer that it would be a problem, but Carlyle Crockwell's a very able goalkeeper who has played in goal for a number of years, as well as on the national team, and what he did showed he remains capable and it was no surprise at all.'' Crockwell, though, admitted to being concerned as the pressure mounted towards the end.

"The toughest part was when they were going for the equaliser...we had to defend like hell to keep them out,'' said Crockwell, in his second season with the Red Devils after transferring from PHC. "I was just fortunate to be able to make those saves.

"I always get pumped up playing against PHC, because I played for them for a long time.'' In a match that appeared destined for a draw early on Village were able to get the goal that mattered after normally reliable sweeper Mike Dill of PHC gave his opponents the chance to score with a tragic defensive blunder in the 60th minute.

Dill was judged to have obstructed Elliott Jennings in his efforts to allow the ball to roll into touch, with referee Stuart Crockwell not hesitating to point to the penalty spot.

Robinson stepped up to sidefoot the ball to the left of PHC 'keeper Ellsworth Bean.

Said Calderon looking back at the day's action: "I thought it was a pretty competitive game and fortunate to win, but we'll take two points.

"It's a situation where we're still struggling to defend set pieces and I feel that was where they had many of their chances.'' Asked if his men were lucky to avoid drawing or losing he responded: "I think whoever gets the points deserves them...we deserve them.'' North Village: C.Crockwell; K.Grant, I.Romaine, D.Bell, A.Simons; S.Franks, C.Roberts, K.Simons, E.Jennings; D.Robinson, S.Dill.

PHC: E.Bean; B.Bean, M.Dill, D.Outerbridge, R.Lewis; S.Ming, M.Trott (O.Steede 34 mins), G.Simmons; R.Lightbourne, S.Simons, D.Wolffe (S.Swan 64 mins).

Referee: Stuart Crockwell.

Men of the match: Carlyle Crockwell (North Village), Dano Outerbridge (PHC).