PHC moved a step closer to league championship glory with a stellar display of all out attacking soccer at Somerset yesterday.

In contrast, the Trojans provided their fans with a jaded performance fitting of a side at the opposite end of the spectrum and must now draw their final match against Southampton Rangers to ensure another season in the top flight.

Prior to the match, Zebras coach Sammy Swan, banished to the sidelines following a recent sending off, intimated that his troops would have to display mental toughness and discipline to stay on track for the title. And they did just that as a single first-half strike by Stephen Astwood combined with two after the interval from Vic Ball and Kenny Mills proved their opponents' undoing.

From the outset PHC showed that, rather than the passive prey their moniker depicts, on this day they would hunt -- even feast -- with Trojans the main course.

Running at a Somerset defence severely wanting in the absence of centre-half Karl Roberts -- ruled out after receiving his marching orders in a previous match -- PHC exposed holes in the west enders' back four early and often as Astwood created problems with his height, speed and elusiveness.

The national squad striker showed a glimpse of what would become the norm, getting on the end of an Otis Steede cross from the left side in the second minute, only to volley over the bar from 15 yards.

Astwood put the visitors with what can only be described as a soft goal.

Steede again played a vital role in the attack, threading a pinpoint pass from midway on the left side to his team-mate, who controlled, turned and fired past a backpedalling Leslie Trew, caught in no-man's land.

In response, Somerset's David Burchall could only manage to find the side-netting from an angle off a left wing corner by Rahman that completely eluded everyone in the six-yard area.

Youngster Nasir Wade stood out as the lone threat for Somerset, his close ball skills and pace evident, but equally so was the general ineptness of his team-mates.

Harbouring the knowledge that closest challengers North Village were winning their encounter, PHC returned to the pitch following the interval determined to further enhance their status and it took but five minutes for them to do so in spectacular fashion.

Once again Steede played a vital role, crossing from deep on the right to Duval Wilson, who chested the ball perfectly into the path of Ball. The wiry midfielder brought the crowd to their feet with a thunderous drive from near the penalty spot that left Trew flailing at air as the ball ripped into the back of the net.

Somerset attempted to change the tone in making a double substitution in the 55th minute, bringing on forwards Rodney Bascome and Jermaine Dill for Jerome Richards and David Burchall. However, it was in defence where they suffered most, with Scott providing a goal-saving header in the 65th minute off a Chris Furbert shot that had goal written all over it.

Trew denied Steede a richly deserved strike in the 75th minute with a fine one-handed parry, yet all his efforts amounted to nought in the 84th minute, with substitute Mills robbing Scott and placing his shot past the keeper for the final goal.

Zebras stay on course for title From Page 27 Commenting after the match Swan said: "We have to try and keep the intensity and hope for the best. Today we came to play and we'll need to do the same again against Wolves. They're a good side and if we don't play up to standard we won't get the result we're looking for.'' Outside the home dressing room disappointed coach Gary Mallory admitted: "They (PHC) clearly wanted it more.'' Somerset: L.Trew; T.Mallory, J.Richards (R.Bascome 55 mins), G.Butterfield, R.Scott; A.Rahman. A.Bean Nadir Wade (70 mins), O.Shakir. J.Scott; D.Burchall (J.Dill 55 mins), Nasir Wade.

PHC: C.Crockwell; S.Lewis, R.Lewis, H.Tucker, A.Washington; O.Steede, V.Ball (R.Mallory 67 mins), C.Furbert; R.Lightbourne (K.Mills 73 mins), D.Wilson.

Referee: George O'Brien Men of the match: Nasir Wade (Somerset), Otis Steede (PHC) Yellow cards: Galvin Butterfield (Somerset); Hadley Tucker (PHC)