A cracking volley from winger Nakia Smith with 15 minutes remaining officially re-opened the Coca-Cola First Division championship race and clinched for North Village a berth in the Dudley Eve Trophy tournament at PHC Stadium yesterday.

In a match that possessed everything in terms of passion and commitment, Village showed that they had the stomach to survive a war against a side the quality of Vasco.

Sean Dill gave them an early lead with a deflected shot, then Village saw pressure like none other during this four-game winning streak, ultimately yielding to a superb piece of finishing from Dwight Basden.

Vasco then looked the favourites to claim maximum points but the Red Devils, without defensive leader Derek Bell who is on vacation, stuck to the task and thanks to Smith are now the only side of the top flight unbeaten in league play.

Vasco, minus top stars goalkeeper Timmy Figureido, and forwards Corey Hill and Irving Burgess -- the first two through suspension, the other through injury -- showed in this match why they must still be backed to clinch a first league title in April.

Kentoine Jennings was superb and Karl Roberts, Earl Richardson and Voorhees Astwood were steady influences as Vasco embraced adversity with raw determination.

But, on this day, they were up against a side who now thoroughly believe in themselves and are making their own breaks.

Referee Esten Curtis made the first impression on this match as he blew down Dwayne Adams for steps in the fifth minute.

Village had begun comfortably until then, but the indirect free kick launched a sequence in the penalty area that climaxed with defender Arthur Simons heading clear a goalbound Richardson drive.

Then Village had their first shot on goal in the 11th minute; and it was a goal! Dill collected the ball from some 30 yards out, stepped forward and unleashed a low drive that took a deflection before beating Joe Valadao to his left.

It was a cruel beginning for the teenage goalkeeper, given his First Division debut in the most trying of circumstances; and it took him some time to regain what little composure he had.

This setback spurred Vasco on and it soon appeared their attack had lost little in the absence of Hill and Burgess, as Dwight Basden ran tirelessly up front alongside Alfred Wolffe with Astwood, in particular, putting in the extra running from midfield.

Astwood nearly brought Vasco level in the 16th minute, his left-foot drive from 25 yards crashing against the bar with Adams well beaten.

But four minutes later, Village's 'keeper proved the difference, diving to his left to brilliantly tip over a smart Wolffe header.

Vasco were at their best about now, attacking Village in droves with Kentoine Jennings assisting whenever he could.

The former Village man should have scored in the 21st minute when he positioned himself for a free header eight yards out. But, from Richardson's cross, he mistimed his jump and could not keep the ball from going narrowly over.

Basden was next to let Adams and Village off, just failing to get on the end of a Gibbons cross through the goalmouth.

That reprieve in hand, Village settled the game down; or better still, Vasco emptied the tank and were forced to cruise into the interval.

However, before then, Damon Wade had a chance to further damage Vasco's spirits. But, after neatly slipping Roberts, he made the cardinal sin of missing at the near post with Valadao's psyche still in a fragile state.

The youngster received a warm round of applause 14 minutes into the second half for safely dealing with his first handling chores since the goal.

And three minutes later, Vasco were all square.

This goal was all about Kentoine Jennings and his unquenchable desire to win.

The sweeper tenaciously fought off two prolonged challenges and slipped the ball to Roberts who quickly picked out Basden running free on the inside right.

Adams, for a moment, considered coming to intercept, stopped and was beaten at his near post by a blistering, right-foot volley from the edge of the area.

The stadium erupted as Basden led tumultuous celebration on the field and Vasco were urged on by their fans to add to the tally.

Substitute Shane Burgess shot over from 20 yards and then Basden made an ill-advised pass to Burgess in an offside position when he himself had one man to beat.

Village were forced into desperate defending with Vasco calling all the shots from defence through to midfield.

And with midfield general Elliott Jennings carrying a right thigh injury, the Red Devils' prospects appeared bleak.

But out of nothing came the winner on 75 minutes, and how simple it was. Kevin Grant floated in a deep cross to the left, Dill headed it invitingly across the area and Smith graciously accepted the opportunity with a crisp volley from 15 yards out that raced in low to Valadao's left.

Elliott Jennings was soon stretchered off, prompting Village to make several tactical changes.

And the new back four of Grant, Michael Hansey, substitute Uroy Fox and Simons adequately dealt with the rest that Vasco could offer.

However, they did not allow for a clearance error from 'keeper Adams, his left-foot attempt slicing to the right with Basden on the prowl.

But the striker mishit what would have been a difficult lob attempt, and Village survived until the final whistle.

The Red Devils are now a solitary point behind Vasco after this titanic struggle, which on current form will resume in less than a fortnight with an entirely different trophy at stake.

Vasco: J.Valadao; E.Richardson, K.Jennings, S.Smith, D.Stapley; V.Astwood, S.Gibbons, K.Roberts, F.Simmons (P.Richardson, 82 mins); D.Basden, A.Wolffe (S.Burgess, 54 mins).

North Village: D.Adams; A.Simons, M.Hansey, C.Dill, K.Grant; D.Wade (R.Wilson, 58 mins), E.Jennings (U.Fox, 83 mins), S.Franks; N.Smith, S.Dill, J.Smith (L.Durham, 69 mins).

Referee: Esten Curtis.

Men of the match: Kentoine Jennings (Vasco); Kevin Grant (North Village).