Scott Morton, the PHC Zebras coach, insists are “no excuses” for his team’s recent slump in form in the Premier Division.

PHC’s once healthy lead at the top of the table has been reduced to just one point. They were held to a 1-1 draw away to Robin Hood at Saturday night — the Zebras’ third game without a victory.

Morton’s side, who have already won the Dudley Eve Trophy and the Friendship Trophy this season, led by six points and had threatened to run away with a tenth title, which would have tied them with Somerset Trojans for the record, and first in a decade.

Although his side have been plagued by recent injuries to key players such as Marquel Waldron, Kadeem Abraham and Na’eem Griffith, Morton made excuses.

“Because we set such high standards in the first half of the season it’s easy to say we’re dropping off the pace, but I have no excuses when people are out injured,” Morton said.

“That’s why you are supposed to have a deep squad and belief to bring people through, so there’s no excuses when it comes to that.”

Despite their shaky form, the fate of PHC’s title bid remains in their own hands after nearest rivals Dandy Town also failed to win at the weekend, drawing 3-3 away to North Village.

Morton is now predicting the title race to go “right down to the wire”, with five rounds of matches remaining.

“It’s going to go right down to the wire and my players have all the belief and are not going to give up,” he said.

“I hope everyone else has the same belief to make it very entertaining,” he said.

“When you have a team that is running away with it, maybe it’s not something you want to go and watch.

“But now it’s closer and more intense, and I just love it so much more. The fans are obviously enjoying it.”

• Bermuda will play two friendly matches in the Caribbean next month, against Antigua and Barbuda on March 21, and Barbados on March 25.

Bermuda, who are preparing for the launch of the Concacaf Nations League in September, lost 3-2 to Barbados at the National Stadium in October.

The home side took a two-goal lead in the first half thanks to close-range finishes from Willie Clemons and Jaylon Bather. Barbados, however, grabbed the victory after scoring two goals in the last three minutes. Since 2011, Bermuda have two wins and one defeat against Barbados.