PHC Zebras and North Village both made flying starts in the Dudley Eve Trophy yesterday with goal-laden victories at Goose Gosling Field.

PHC, the defending champions, enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 win over Boulevard after Village had earlier thrashed Devonshire Cougars 4-1.

Scott Morton, the PHC coach, could have hardly hoped for a better first game in charge.

“It was a good start based on what we’ve been working on,” Morton said.

“The result is not what we concentrate on as the result takes care of itself — we work on the process.

“It was important we stayed focused in all disciplines, on the ball, off the ball and in transition. We could have been a lot more disciplined, especially when we got tired.

“How can you stay in control of the game when you don’t have the ball?”

Ian Coke gave Boulevard the lead midway through the first half but within 15 minutes PHC had turned it around with goals by front pair Tristan Hall and Idrees Sharrieff.

Substitute Omari Tucker closed out the scoring with the third in the 86th minute just as Boulevard were threatening a late equaliser.

“All I can ask for is the commitment and they have been there,” Morton said of pre-season. “I’m loving where I am, loving what I’m doing and the players have good attitudes, good energy and I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Village had an excellent start with their heavy win over Cougars. Nacari Smith opened the scoring before Thomas Watson netted twice either side of the interval.

Substitute Demetri Daniels, added the fourth in the 81st minute after Mark Steede pulled one back for Cougars midway through the half.

“It was our first game of the season and I’m pleased with the result,” Randy Spence, the Village assistant coach, said.

“Our ball speed was kind of slow and we’re still giving away easy passes, but it’s a work in progress.

“I saw some good goals and good build-up play and we were able to settle down after scoring and grew in confidence.

“We’re pleased with the result but we’re going to take things one game at a time. Winning games builds confidence and that’s what we’re trying to achieve. I think our future looks bright.”

Village have Devarr Boyles as their new head coach after the resignation of Richard Todd in the summer.

Cougars, too, have a new coach, with Omar Butterfield taking over a new-look team from Kwame Steede.

“I thought our performance was decent, we just missed our chances,” Butterfield said of his first game at the helm.

“Those missed chances in the first half were enormous and cost us the game. We missed chances and they went right down the other end and scored, which knocked the wind out of us.

“We are a young team and this is a learning curve for us but we will come back stronger.”

Reports, page 39