Somerset 1 PHC 2

PHC Zebras came from behind to defeat landlords Somerset Trojans 2-1 in an intriguing match at Somerset Cricket Club yesterday.

Shawn Russell and Otis Steede erased a 30th minute Dwight Basden strike with two opportunistic goals either side of the interval.

From the outset both teams threw caution to the wind, attacking relentlessly in a pulsating manner, reminiscent of past rivalries between the two perennial giants.

Trojans, major beneficiaries during the off-season transfer period, enjoyed a solid opening half with new signees David Lawler and Marvin Belboda having an immediate impact during the initial proceedings. The latter caused anxiety to the Zebras' defence as early as the third minute, having his effort smothered by an alert Quincy Hunt in the PHC goal.

However, Trojans were not to be denied on the half hour, Basden unleashing a firm right footed shot in the area that eluded Hunt.

Undeterred, PHC continued to attack and were able to regain the momentum in the latter stages of the half as Raynell Lightbourne and Temeiko Flood repeatedly failed to capitalise when given space.

PHC would finally notch the equaliser moments before the half, with Shawn Russell heading home a cross from the right. Russell was unfortunate not to have given his team the lead shortly after the restart, placing another header inches wide of goalkeeper Timmy Figureido's far post.

Trojans' defence was kept busy as the Zebras forwards resumed their assault.

Figureido did well to deny Stephen Astwood in the 51st minute, bravely lunging at the feet of the lanky ace.

PHC finally received reward for their efforts in the 64th minute and what a `beaut' it was. Otis Steede received a pass with his back to goal just outside the box and smashed home a half volley on the turn.

Startled, the Trojans regrouped with substitutes Kwame Tucker and Roydon Brangman entering the fray to add zest up front as they desperately pressed for the equaliser, causing the Zebras a few anxieties of their own during the closing moments.

Tucker had a goalbound effort saved by Hunt in the 70th minute, while Brangman came close moments later, his close range blast barely scrambled off the line by the defence as the visitors held on for the win, spoiling Mark Trott's debut as the home team's director of football.

Somerset: T.Figureido; K.Roberts, R.Scott, A.Rahman, A.Tucker; D.Rahman, D.Lawler, O.Shakir; M.Brangman, M.Belboda

PHC: Q.Hunt; C.Dowling, J.Sealey, C.Furbert, S.Lewis; O.Steede, S.Russell, S.Astwood; D.Wilson, R.Lightbourne, T.Flood

Referee: Lyndon Raynor

Men of the Match: Dave Lawler (Somerset); Ottis Steede (PHC)

Yellow card: Duval Wilson (PHC).