PHC 1 Devonshire Colts 2

Two opportunistic goals either side of the interval saw Devonshire Colts hammer the final nail in PHC's relegation coffin and send the Zebras crashing into the First Division for the second time in six seasons at Somerset yesterday.

Thanks to a 20th minute Jamel Smith toe poke against the run of play and a second-half insurance goal from the ever alert Aljame Zuill, Colts assured themselves of Premier Division football next season while PHC were left to ponder a lacklustre 2002/03 campaign and will now have to revisit the drawing board.

Quincy Hunt - more renowned for his goal tending prowess - pulled one back for the Zebras late in the second half.

"It has been a mixed season for us. We managed to win a trophy (Martonmere Cup) and come fourth in the league so I think that there are a few clubs who wouldn't have minded accomplishing that," said a relieved Colts coach Ray Jones following the match.

"Yes we won the Martonmere but having to fight for survival on the last day of the season is not acceptable with the sort of players that we have. But obviously I am happy to see us remain in the top flight."

Meanwhile, further down the hallway in the Zebras' dressing room, one could hear a pin drop as coach Mark Wade and his players came to grips with a disappointing season.

"It's a disappointment and yes we are all disappointed. But we will sit down as a team and review the season and see where things went wrong and where we can improve and then hopefully build on that," Wade lamented.

"There's certainly some things that we will have to take a look at and learn from over the summer."

Despite yesterday's letdown, Wade said he was still looking forward to coaching the team again next season.

"My intention is to stay on as coach unless the executive ask for my resignation," he said.

While both teams showed up for this match in dire need of taking maximum points in order to preserve their top flight status, it was Colts who appeared the hungrier of the two teams and would make the most of their limited chances.

After PHC's Jahnai Raynor and Torrie Russell tested Colts custodian Khabir Dill with two close range efforts, Smith put the visitors ahead during a period when a Zebras goal appeared imminent.

After a long ball was played over the Zebras defence, an opportunistic Smith pounced through a maze of PHC defenders to steer the ball past a hapless Dennis Joel.

Zuill, a constant threat whenever left alone, then showed his creative side when he supplied Smith with a piercing through ball across the width of the pitch but the latter's first time shot was blocked by Zebras' skipper Stanton Lewis and cleared away.

Another Colts player who caused a stir throughout the match up front, Lloyd Holder, then combined with Zuill and Smith resulting in the latter's close range blast being saved by an outstretched Joel.

Despite suffering the early setback, Zebras continued to battle with Omar Shakir anxiously watching his two long range efforts fly just wide of the target.

Shortly after the restart, Colts almost caught Zebras napping at the back when Mark (Beaver) Ray threaded a fine pass to send Zuill off to the races. However, Joel was equal to the task, bravely rushing off his line to block the wiry forward's shot. Ray then helped himself to a thunderous long range shot that narrowly grazed the crossbar.

Zebras fans finally had reason to cheer in the 61st minute when Torrie Russell had the ball in the back of the net after a quickly taken free kick but the joy was premature as referee Richard Knight ordered the kick to be retaken.

Zuill was then given another bite at the cherry but he could only shoot tamely into Joel's arms when well placed. Holder followed up with firmly hit blast that caused the Zebras 'keeper to dive full length to save.

But there would be no denying Zuill 13 minutes from time when he broke free of a paralysed Zebras' defence to capitalise on a breakaway.

Zebras finally responded eight minutes later when Hunt pounced onto a loose ball during a goalmouth scramble to score a late consolation for his team. But by then, the dye had already been cast.

PHC: D.Joel, S.Lewis, D.Outerbridge, M.Fubler, D.Wilson, J.Raynor, B.Bean, O.Shakir, T.Russell (Q.Hunt, 80 mins), D.Tucker (S.Astwood, 55 mins), D.Russell (M.Lambe, 55 mins).

Devonshire Colts: K.Dill, Jermel Belboda, G.Gibbons, K.Simpson, R.Evans, J.Belboda (C.Davis, 72 mins), M.Ray, K.Outerbridge, A.Zuill, L.Holder, J.Smith J.Aberdeen, 75 mins).

Booked: M.Fubler (PHC); R.Evans, M.Ray (Colts).

Men of the match: S.Lewis (PHC); A.Zuill (Colts).

Referee: Richard Knight.