Player/coach Marvin (Marvellous) Belboda came off the bench to net a superb second half brace and set up another goal as Premier Division newcomers Paget made a triumphant debut in the top flight with a hard-fought, historical victory over PHC Zebras at White Hill Field recently.

Belboda converted in the 75th and 80th minutes and then five minutes later found the shaven head of Travis Wilkinson who made absolutely no mistake with a text-book glancing header at the near post to send his team's large gathering into ecstasy.

Omar Shakir fired Zebras into the lead after 35 minutes with an off-balance shot at the back post, and then late second half sub Duval Wilson smashed a terrific volley in off the underside of the bar three minutes from full-time to give his team-mates a glimmer ray of hope.

It was a match which saw Lions demonstrate tremendous character and resolve when the chips were down, and one PHC allowed to slip through their grasp after dominating for long spells.

"This was exactly the start we were looking for today and a big morale booster for the team and our fans," commented a jubilant Belboda afterwards. "I told the guys we were still in the match at the half, only trailing by one goal. And that wasn't good enough."

The former Devonshire Colts and Somerset Trojans striker jumped off the bench at the start of the second half and characteristically poached Paget's first two goals in top flight football before laying the groundwork for his team's third which essentially extended the match beyond Zebras' reach.

Belboda erased Zebras' lead when he turned sharply inside the box and drilled a low shot past PHC custodian Jay Smith.

And before the dust had settled the veteran striker fired Lions ahead for good when he controlled a difficult loose ball inside the box and stabbed the ball across the line as a flat-footed Zebras defence looked on.

"Those goals were probably bigger than any other goal I have scored during my career because they helped Paget win their first game in the Premier Division," Belboda smiled.

The player/coach then supplied a pinpoint corner kick in the middle which was perfectly timed by Wilkinson, making his debut in a Paget jersey after transferring from Southampton Rangers over the summer.

Lions also had 'keeper Tarik Smith to thank for an outstanding performance between the sticks, particularly in the first half when their defence was virtually under siege by the menacing Zebras led by the rampant Kevin Lambe, skipper Blenn Bean, Raynel Lightbourne, Shakir, and overlapping Kevin Richards.

Shakir came to close to breaking the ice with a powerful header, but Smith was equal to the task.

And on one rare occasion the 'keeper was beaten, Chris Furbert could only grimace as his firmly hit shot crashed onto the bar.

Lambe created acres of space up front, but he too failed to find a way past a stubborn Smith on at least three occasions.

"My goalkeeper (Smith) made some timely saves and I think he is more deserving to be named man-of-the-match," Belboda said, before rejoining his victorious team-mates for post-match celebrations.