PHC 1 Dandy Town 0

Goalkeeper Troy Hall Jr gave up a late penalty against his former team as PHC Zebras extended their winning streak to five league and cup matches yesterday with a 1-0 victory over Dandy Town Hornets at PHC Field.

Hall raced out towards the left edge of his penalty area to make a sliding challenge on Tre Ming, referee Martin Wyer instantly pointing to the spot, from where Marco Warren calmly slotted home his fourth goal in two league games. Warren netted a hat-trick in the 9-0 rout of Flanagan’s Onions last weekend.

The result keeps PHC top of the league on goal difference from Devonshire Cougars, champions Robin Hood and North Village, who all kept up their 100 per cent records at the weekend.

Cougars beat Young Men’s Social Club 5-0 yesterday and Hood defeated Somerset Trojans by the same scoreline while Village beat Flanagan’s Onions 2-0 on Saturday night

Played under steady rain throughout, the conditions at PHC Field did not make for fluent football from two top teams, with few clear chances in the first half. Things did improve in the second half, although the rain made things more soggy and slippery.

“I love these conditions, that’s what football is all about,” Scott Morton, the PHC coach, said. “It is not always going to be the best of conditions, but sometimes you have to adapt and recognise you have to make adjustments according to those situations.”

Town made it difficult for PHC as they sought their first point of the season. “No, it is never going to be given to you, so you have to make sure in the difficult moments you stay calm,” a relieved Morton said. “Dandy Town came at us and I appreciate that, as it tests the resolve of the team.

“It was good conversion of the penalty by Marco and the way we came out in the second half really put them on the back foot and allowed us to get some momentum.”

Town striker Ian Coke went off with an injury at the half and near the hour mark the game had its best bit of action when Dunte Albouy’s blast from 25 yards was smartly tipped over the crossbar by Hall. Moments later Marquel Waldron, filling in as captain for the absent Cecoy Robinson, slid a dangerous ball across the goalmouth with the sliding Ming unable to make contact at the far post.

Town had their chances, too, with Oneko Lowe, the Bermuda Under-20 forward, wasting a good chance with a weak shot straight at goalkeeper Quinaceo Hunt. Moments before the PHC penalty, Angelo Simmons, of Town, saw his shot hit an upright.

Town had to play stoppage time with ten men after defender, Giano Liburd, a first-half replacement for the injured Kemon Simmons, went off with a leg injury. Hall survived another penalty call in time added on when he challenged Kenneth Matthie for a loose ball, after a successful block on Ming as the PHC midfielder slipped through on the left side but lost control of the ball.

Morton emphasised that all is well with captain Robinson, although he was not in the team yesterday.

Robinson was substituted midway through the first half last weekend after a disagreement with his coach, with Waldron taking over the captaincy in his absence.

“Everything is fine, he is back with the team and trained on Tuesday,” Morton said. “He is taking a rest today and afterwards will be back in.

“Marquel is a leader, a little more quiet, but you don’t have to be boisterous to be a leader.”

PHC have yet to concede a goal this season, leaving Morton feeling proud.

“That’s what I told the players at half-time, which is most important,” Morton said.

“Last year we didn’t lose at home and we’re starting off on a good note again.”

PHC: Q Hunt; R DeShields, M Waldron, N Griffith, K Abraham, T Ming, K Bean, M Waldron, C Castle (sub: K Matthie, 46min), D Albouy, J Iris (sub: D Davis, 81). Substitutes not used: S Trott, M Lambe, D Lightbourne, L Miller.

Dandy Town: T Hall; K Simmons (sub: G Liburd, 45), K Lathan, G Dyer, E Blankendal, E Trott, L Tucker, O Lowe (sub: D Butterfield, 78), A Simmons, I Coke (sub: D Walker, 46), D Ming. Substitutes not used: J Manders, S Campbell, K Steede, C Tear. Booked: Dyer.

Referee: M Wyer