North Village 0 PHC 1

Enrique Russell’s late winner sent PHC Zebras back to the top of the Premier Division in a tight battle against champions North Village at Bernard Park last night.

The experienced striker beat Village goalkeeper and captain Detre Bell with a low shot at the near post from a set piece, which ultimately proved to be the difference in an evenly fought, high-tempo contest featuring non-stop end-to-end action.

The result enabled Zebras to replace leaders Devonshire Colts at the summit, much to the delight of coach Cecoy Robinson.

“I thought the boys played well tonight. They stuck to the game plan and was able to get a massive three points for us tonight,” Robinson told The Royal Gazette.

“This puts us back on the top temporarily. Other teams have to do their job, so we’re just putting some pressure on the top and we just have to keep going, one game at a time, and just stay at it.”

PHC’s Kadeem Abraham and Village’s Jonte Smith were unable to convert the only two clear-cut chances that came their team’s way during the first half, leaving the game goalless at the break.

Village played with more flair and a higher tempo after the restart and went close to breaking the deadlock when Knory Devon Scott brought off an excellent save by PHC stopper Quinaceo Hunt at the near post, and then had an inviting cross go untouched across the goalmouth.

PHC were a threat on the counter attack and also on set pieces, but lacked cutting edge in the attacking third with Abraham heading another good opportunity just wide.

Russell finally took matters into his own hands and popped up with the winner 15 minutes from the end. Village failed to clear Joshua Joseph’s corner which eventually fell to the striker, who fired past Bell on the turn.

Smith found himself in possession inside PHC’s box, but was again denied as Hunt tipped his effort onto the woodwork, and also had a free kick dip just over as the visitors held on to secure the points.

Scorers

PHC: Russell 75

Teams

North Village (4-1-4-1): D Bell 7 - J Outerbridge 7 (sub: M Paynter, 87 min), J Harvey 7, T Williams 7, K Harrison 7 - S Spence 7 (sub: J Bean, 46 7)- L Steede 7 (sub: C Caisey, 70 6), K Devon Scott 7, A Dill 7, J Chapman 7 - J Smith 7. Substitutes not used: K Cann, Q Outerbridge, I Simmons, P Smith.

PHC (4-1-4-1): Q Hunt 8 - D Smith- Lightbourne 7, J Bather 7, D Dowling 7, D Usher 7 - K Astwood 7 - D Lodge 7, R Woodley- Smith 7 (sub: H Eve, 64 6), S Burrows 7 (sub: C Eve, 87), J Joseph 7 - E Russell 7. Substitutes not used: J Hassell, E King-Mills, A Burgess, J Ebbin. Booked: Joseph, H Eve (sub)

Referee: A Majors