With an effort as polished as a 22-carat diamond, Kyle Lightbourne put home the goal that clinched victory for defending champions PHC Zebras in this traditional season-opening Charity Cup game at PHC Stadium on Saturday night.

It was only a pity the English professional club Scarborough United didn't have scouts in the stands to see the tall striker stun Boulevard with this brilliant piece of work after 43 minutes.

Lightbourne, who is expected to sign professionally with the Third Divisioners as soon as a work permit is obtained, brought the packed house alive with the goal.

With the score tied at 1-1, Lightbourne latched onto the ball just inside Boulevard's half and with almost contemptuous coolness flicked the ball over the head of the onrushing centre-back Leroy Stevens to get by the defender and avoid a desperate tackle. Lightbourne then advanced some 25 yards to dish out similarly humiliating treatment to the one remaining defender, centre-back Wayne Richardson. And, after flicking the ball over his head, the striker unleased a fierce drive from 14 yards to beat goal-keeper Ed Oliver.

That gave the crowd plenty to cheer about. But unfortunately that was one of the few happy moments for PHC who turned up with two teams -- one which played inspiring soccer in the opening half and one that was often out of touch in the second.

Midfielder Kevin Dill gave PHC early joy when he rode a challenge by right full-back Dean Boyles to score from a Sean Simmons cross after 10 minutes. The goal coming following some forceful running down the left flank by Sammy Swan.

But the lead was short-lived as Boulevard drew level nine minutes later when Dwight Warren frustrated the defence with a tantalising dribble before being pulled down by midfielder Frankie Ming in the penalty box. Wayne Richardson made his spot kick good.

But the good, clinical soccer that PHC had produced up to the 25th minute quickly evaporated as Boulevard clawed their way into the game to match their opponents.

Skipper Albert Smith and brother Kevin put shots just over the goal while Lightborne forced Oliver to make the save of the night by diving full-length to push a rocket just wide from a free kick taken 16 yards out. However, when Lightbourne came up with what turned out to be the winning goal there wasn't anything Oliver could do.

Unfortunately, play deteriorated in the second half as PHC were unable to stamp their authority on the game and Boulevard struggled to find a working pattern of play.

With Warren prominent down the left flank Boulevard established a decisive edge but found it difficulty cracking the middle of the defence which was marshalled well by skipper and centre-back Mike Dill.

But striker Kenny Hill had sufficient chances to put Boulevard ahead, too many times though he was robbed off possession after failing to put crosses away because of a reluctance to attempt to one-time his efforts. Time and time again his policy of attempting to control the ball first and then strike it goalwards just didn't work.

Midfielder Frank Ming, who scored both goals for PHC in their 2-0 win over Boulevard in last year's matchup, wasn't nearly as prominent this time around.

His lone contribution to the attack came after 75 minutes when his blast from 16 yards sailed just over the bar.

PHC: T.Williams; S.Simmons, M.Dill, D.Outerbridge, R.Lewis; K.Dill, F.Ming, K.Mills (D.Douglas, 79 min); S.Ming (R.Lightbourne, 58 min), K.Lightbourne, S.Swan.

Boulevard: E.Oliver; D.Boyles, W.Richardson, L.Stevens, V.Eve; K.Smith, A.Smith, C.Pearman; N.Robinson (A.Brown, 79 min), K.Hill (M.Smith, 88 min), D.Warren.

Referee: Rex Osborne.

Men of the match: Kyle Lightbourne (PHC); Dwight Warren (Boulevard) KYLE LIGHTBOURNE -- On the scoresheet for PHC.