Hotels' tenure at the head of the First Division as well as their three-game win streak came to a screeching halt as the Zebras pummelled them 3-0 at PHC Stadium on Saturday night.

Experience proved no match for youthful exuberance, with teenagers Otis Steede and Raynel Lightourne leading the Zebras' charge. Steede tallied twice, once in each half, this after Lightbourne had opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort.

As a result, PHC moved into their more accustomed league leaders position, a spot they have finished in in three of the past four seasons.

Hotels, who slipped to fourth after yesterday's matches, had their woes compounded by a broken left forearm to top marskman Ricky Hill.

From the start PHC ran hard at Hotels, forcing them on their heels before the latter were able to gradually work themselves into the match.

Sheridan Ming almost drew first blood in the 12th minute, pouncing on a left-wing cross by Derek Douglas before forcing a fine diving save by Randy Darrell in goal for Hotels.

Responding in kind a minute later was Chris Sabir of Hotels who poked his effort inches wide from just inside the penalty area. Earlier the speedy midfielder had blasted well over from similar range and these lost chances would later prove costly.

The new-look PHC striking tandem of Shawn Simons, Lightbourne and Kenny Mills began to hit stride, creating gaping holes in Hotels' defence and it appeared only a matter of time before they capitalised.

Lightbourne, twig-like in appearance but big on ability, was a major headache with his dazzling dribbling skills as he was able to turn centre-back Frankie Greaves on a number of occasions.

One such moment came in the 26th minute when Lightbourne shook off challenges by two defenders to squeeze off a shot from an acute angle, which was well stopped by Darrell.

Following up during this period of domination by the Zebras was Simons. First his ferocious drive from 19 yards caught Darrell wrong-footed and the 'keeper was fortunate to get a hand on the ball forcing it into touch. Next Simons watched in disbelief as his header from the ensuing corner was cleared off the line by Derek Bell.

However, there would be no saving graces 12 minutes in front of half-time when Lightbourne's close ball control once again came to the fore. Greaves was caught in possession deep in his own half and Lightbourne made him pay, faking both he and an advancing Darrell before slotting the ball home.

Steede increased the margin to two goals after 42 minutes. Left-back Roderick Lewis sent in a high, searching cross that was punched away by Darrell but only as far as Steede whose powerful header found the back of now vacated goal.

Throughout the half, Hotels never looked like a side leading the division and near the end constant bickering compounded their woes. Coolridge Bell in particular was a picture of frustration, at one point standing with his hands on his hips, making no effort for the ball.

Meanwhile, PHC showed that they were not content to rest on what seemed a safe lead, continuing in the second half from where they left off in the first...attacking.

A minute following the restart, Lightbourne popped up in front of goal for a header that was only denied by a fine reflex save from Darrell.

For all his agility Darrell could do little to keep Steede from making the score 3-0 10 minutes into the half.

Once more Lightbourne was involved as he supplied the vital cross for Frank Ming to chest down to Steede at the top of the penalty area. Steede eluded a tackle by Greaves and using the most delicate of touches placed the ball into the bottom right corner.

Finally PHC began to relax a bit, allowing their opponents' attack more room but three goals was always going to be a tall order.

PHC: T.Williams (J.Robinson, 72 mins); D.Outerbridge, M.Dill, D.Douglas, R.Lewis; O.Steede, F.Ming (J.Raynor, 70 mins), S.Ming; K.Mills, S.Simons, R.Lightbourne.

Hotels: R.Darrell; D.Bell, P.Smith, F.Greaves, D.Scott; C.Bell (T.Bassett, 66 mins), M.Piper, C.Sabir; C.Anderson, R.Hill (C.Landy, 72 mins), E.Simmons.

Referee: Roddy Burchall Men of the match: Raynel Lightbourne (PHC), Eugene Simmons (Hotels).