while heaping more misery upon cellar dwellers Devonshire Colts when the pair clash at PHC Stadium tonight (9 p.m.).

The lone Saturday affair appears a classic David versus Goliath match-up, although Colts possess nary sling nor stone and by the end of the night Vasco may well find themselves with a four point cushion at the top. They currently lead with seven points over Somerset who have six.

Vic Ball entered the senior coaching arena knowing much work was required to make Colts possible contenders. However, not even he could have expected such a harsh baptism.

Rather than envision silverware and glory, his focus has become one of survival.

From the opening match -- a 1-0 loss to newly promoted Somerset Eagles -- Colts have appeared vulnerable at the back, with only sweeper Shannon Burgess effective on a consistent basis.

The remainder of the cast, Makonnen Hollis, Dean Smith and Jomal Jones, while possessing talent, are yet young and prone to errors of inexperience and those moments have so far proven costly.

Even veteran goalkeeper Randy Darrell has been suspect, not showing nearly the range of his previous years.

Mark Ray has bolstered the midfield alongside the ever improving and versatile Jahmah Samuels, while Ellington Weldon still presides over the attack.

Still, it seems they will have to score in buckets in order to offset their defensive liabilities, something they have shown little inclination to perform.

Hence they anchor the 10-team division, having garnered a single point from three matches.

Vasco, meanwhile, have been simply magnificent and indeed the flavour of the first month.

They remain undefeated after seven matches in league and cup play, with six victories against a draw.

Coach John Rebello has appeared most prophetic in his pre-season outlook that this was to be the time they "smashed the glass ceiling''.

The forward line of Corey Hill, Irving Burgess and Dwight Basden have shown themselves as a veritable `menace to society', and who could blame them for salivating over the prospect of a Colts appetiser.

Hill, Burgess and Basden may grab the glory, but talent abounds in all departments, from Tim Figureido in goal, to Kentoine Jennings and Shawn Smith in defence and midfielder Karl Roberts and Steval Arorash.

For now they appear the genuine article, but Colts would want to expose a few flaws.

Tomorrow witnesses the remaining eight teams in action, with the leading encounter being the clash of defending league champions -- now fallen on hard times -- Boulevard and 1994 winners Dandy Town at St. John's Field.

Other fixtures have St. George's tackling PHC at Wellington Oval, Somerset Bridge hosting surprise team Southampton Rangers and Somerset visiting the dungeon of the North Village Red Devils.

Meanwhile, the Second Division presents its own concoction of affairs, with BAA entertaining St. David's, leaders Wolves travelling to meet Hamilton Parish, Social Club at home to Devonshire Cougars and Paget away to Prospect.

Hamilton Parish moved convincingly into the next round of the FA Cup on Thursday night at PHC Stadium when they thrashed Commercial Division team Island Rangers 5-0.

Parish led 3-0 at the half after netting three times in the space of five minutes, with Trinn Burgess scoring in the 24th, Jermaine Outerbridge in the 25th and Ernest (Joe) Lathan in the 29th. Phillip Burgess then scored in the 73rd and 74th minutes to settle the issue.

Parish meet Mariners in the preliminary round on November 12.