PHC Zebras blew a chance to regain the lead of the Premier Division after being held to a draw by fellow title contenders North Village at Goose Gosling Field last night.

Nacori Smith put Village ahead against the run of play with a well-taken goal on the stroke of half-time.

But PHC came roaring back after the break and grabbed an equaliser through substitute Kieshon Bean, who scored with virtually his first touch of the ball.

Both teams had further opportunities to score in this highly entertaining match played at a blistering pace, featuring the type of organised and purposeful football rarely seen in Bermuda these days.

PHC might have come away feeling disappointed as they controlled the second half but squandered several scoring opportunities.

Village nearly claimed all the points at the death but were twice denied by PHC goalkeeper Quinaceo Hunt who rushed off his line to thwart substitute Ralph Bean Jr and Shayne Hollis.

PHC’s fifth draw of the campaign moved them level on points with leaders Robin Hood — who still lead on goal difference — but can move back ahead tonight when they take on relegation-threatened Somerset Eagles at Goose Gosling Field.

Village remain third, two points adrift of Hood and Zebras.

After absorbing waves of pressure PHC gained control of midfield and forced Village on the defensive with some sustained pressure of their own.

However, just as it seemed PHC would break the deadlock Village floored their opponents with a sucker punch just before the half.

Hollis slipped a pass into open space behind the Zebras defence and forward Smith took his chance well, holding off his marker and slotting past the advancing Hunt.

PHC shifted into a higher gear in the second half and pinned their opponents in their own half as they pressed for an equaliser which finally arrived after Village defender Terryn Fray conceded a foul just outside the box.

Marco Warren’s free kick was saved but Village failed to deal with the second ball and Bean took one touch before firing into the low right-hand corner.

Cecoy Robinson, the PHC captain, had two efforts from a tight angle fly over the bar while Tre Ming wasted a golden opportunity with the goal at his mercy.