(after extra time) Two goals in the space of nine minutes in the first period of extra time put paid to PHC's hopes of a record 10th FA Cup triumph as champions Vasco booked the first spot in the April final yesterday at Southampton Oval.

Vasco had to go the distance against a stubborn PHC side who played their part in an exciting match that was almost tarnished by a potentially nasty incident near the end.

PHC striker Raynel Lightbourne had to be restrained by Vasco's Karl Roberts as he tried to get at Paul Towlson in retaliation after being struck in an off-the ball incident in the fifth minute of the second period of extra time.

Both the incident and the reaction went unnoticed by referee Roddy Burchall as Lightbourne lost his temper and tried to retaliate while the game was going on at the other end of the field. Only the good grip Roberts had on Lightbourne, along with support from PHC player Winston Trott, prevented the incident from escalating.

The game produced good value for money right from the opening minutes when Vasco were first on the attack with PHC quickly matching them thrust for thrust.

Irving Burgess missed the best of the early chances in the eighth minute when he headed a Corey Hill cross over the bar at the far post.

However, about 40 seconds later he made amends with the opening goal of the game, this time being sent away down the left by Roberts and unleashing a left-footed shot which went in off the far post.

The game remained exciting with Blenn Bean and Lightbourne both going close for the Zebras at the other end. PHC's best chance in the half came in the 27th minute when Sheridan Ming crossed from the right and the outstretched leg of Burt was just inches away from scoring a deserved equalised as the ball beat him at the far post. A nice piece of finishing brought PHC their equaliser in the 42nd minute, the move started by full back Damon Francis and ending when Lightbourne scooped the ball over 'keeper Timmy Figureido and then watched as it hit the underside of the crossbar before bouncing and hitting the top netting.

The second half followed the same trend as the first as both teams threw caution to the wind. PHC 'keeper Ty Williams was let off twice in the opening minutes, first when he picked up a pass from Frank Ming and was relieved to see Donovan Livingston's indirect free kick smash against the defensive wall before being cleared.

Five minutes later a cross from Roberts saw Williams call off Dano Outerbridge beforing palming the ball over the bar.

The post saved the Zebras in the 66th minute when, from a Mark Ray free kick, Hill turned and fired in a shot that came back off the upright in a crowded area. Vasco lost midfielder Walton Burgess to a hand injury in the 70th minute as Kentoine Jennings replaced him.

PHC had their chances, too, as they put Vasco under pressure late in the second half and were denied a goal in the 79th minute when Dano Outerbridge powered in a header at the far post from an Ottis Steede corner, only to see the ball cleared off the line by Derek Stapley who held his position at the post.

Right on full time Shawn Simons' overhead kick was deflected for a corner. PHC were blown away in the first period of extra time as, just seconds after having a shot blocked by Williams, Dwight Basden turned and fired into the far bottom corner to put Vasco back in front to stay.

Nine minutes later the match was settled when Burgess scored his second goal.

Hill again made the telling pass from the right and Burgess steered his shot past Williams at the far post after the ball spun awkwardly to reach him.

"PHC allowed us to stay in the game, they had their chances,'' said Vasco coach John Rebello afterwards.

"We absorbed pressure and came back. The experience and maturity of our players showed in extra time when we took it up a notch. It was a pretty balanced game and both teams had opportunities.

"All credit ot PHC, they worked hard and never put their heads down. When we scored the second goal that was the turning point.'' Vasco: T.Figureido; E.Richardson, D.Livingston, P.Towlson, D.Stapley; W.Burgess (K.Jennings 74 mins), K.Roberts, M.Ray; I.Burgess, C.Hill, D.Basden (K.Dill 107 mins).

PHC: T.Williams; D.Francis (R.Lewis 98 mins), F.Ming, D.Outerbridge B.Bean; M.Wade, S.Ming, O.Steede, R.Lightbourne, S.Simons, K.Burt (W.Trott 88 mins).

Referee: Roddy Burchall.

Men of match: Karl Roberts (Vasco), Dano Outerbridge (PHC).

All coaches are asked to attend a meeting this evening at Police Club at 6.30.

Discussion will be on the possible formation of a coaches association.

Photos by Tamell Simons CLEARED -- Earl Richardson of Vasco clears the ball to break up a PHC move as Donovan Livingston (centre) and Raynel Lightbourne look on.

CLOSING IN -- Vasco defender Derek Stapley (left) gives PHC's Kenny Burt little room to move as Karl Roberts prepares to offer support.