PHC 3

Dandy Town 2

A Cecoy Robinson hat -trick propelled PHC Zebras through to the next round of the Friendship Trophy at Goose Gosling Field last night.

The PHC midfielder and captain netted in the 24th, 43rd and 50th minutes to claim the game ball, and more importantly get his team past the first hurdle in the competition after coming out on top of this five-goal thriller.

Town, who were never out of contention played throughout at a searing pace, replied through a brace from Dominique Lambert who scored either side of the interval.

Very little separated the two teams, and in the end PHC’s hard work rate and Robinson’s clinical finishing proved to be the difference.

Town enjoyed the early exchanges and nearly broke the deadlock when Drewonde Bascome rose at the back post and headed Lambert’s cross just wide of the post, while Daniel Johnson, the PHC goalkeeper, saved Jahnazae Swan’s shot from point-blank range with his legs.

The match opened up with non-stop action, and on a quick break Casey Castle, the PHC midfielder, dragged a shot from outside of the 18-yard box just wide of the near post.

However, there would be no denying PHC moments later as Robinson struck from close range. Shakir Smith’s free kick into the box was mishandled by Mikkail Crockwell, the Town goalkeeper, and Robinson slammed home the rebound with authority.

Town nearly hit back immediately, however, PHC were let off the hook after Bascome’s inviting cross rolled across the face of the goal untouched.

Lambert brought the teams level just before half-time when he tapped in Damon Ming’s cross.

However, Town’s joy was short-lived as Robinson restored PHC’s lead when his shot from Diondre Dowling’s cross took a deflection on its way into the back of the net.

PHC pulled further ahead early in the second half when Robinson completed his treble from the penalty spot, after Ming brought Castle down in the area.

Town reduced the deficit to one when Lambert tapped in Bascome’s free kick to leave the game on a razor’s edge, as both teams continued to slug it out, and tackle for every ball as though their lives depended on it.

PHC spurned several chances to completely kill the game off, with Robinson enjoying the lion’s share of them.

Town fought on gallantly and caused some anxiety in the attacking third, but were unable to find a way past PHC’s back four.

PHC will now play Devonshire Cougars in the next round on December 13 at Devonshire Recreation Club.