AFTER opening their inaugural campaign with eight defeats and one draw it is fair to say Bermuda Hogges’ start to life in the USL had been traumatic.Indeed they could have been forgiven for wondering if, not when, their debut victory would come.

But they need wait no longer after triumphing over New Hampshire Phantoms in midweek, thanks to a brace by evergreen marksman Shaun Goater.

As soon as it emerged that one of Bermuda’s most famous sporting sons and Kyle Lightbourne would be re-establishing their deadly strike combination it seemed a Hogges victory was imminent.

And boy did the Hogges need it!

With struggling Phantoms lying just one place above them in the league this was one basement battle they could ill-afford to lose.

But thanks to Goater’s potency and some much improved defending Hogges hung on to their slender lead, which should have been far greater, to send the hundreds of supporters in the National Sports Centre into raptures.

And while Goater and Lightbourne may maintain their partnership is not likely to be repeated, on this sort of form it may be hard for them to dismantle it.

It was as hatched as a necessary measure to ensure Hogges ended their wimless streak and it worked a treat.

Not that they weren’t backed up by their young charges though, with Ralph Bean and Kwame Steede playing starring roles in what could prove to be a watershed moment in Hogges’ history.

The victory saw Somerset Trojans defenders Sean Simmons and Jabrel Tucker make their full debuts with both enjoying eye-catching displays.

Simmons, in particular, seemed to provide the antidote to Hogges’ defensive ailments with the burly centre-half’s aerial ability effectively combating Phantom’s long-ball game.

It is a style of play that has plagued the Hogges all season but Simmons appears to be a perfect foil for the more cultured Omar Shakir.

Skipper Kwame Steede hailed his teammates after the victory and believes the confidence-boosting win should provide them with a platform from which to build.

“This Hogges jersey means a lot to the players and whenever we take the field we feel like we’re representing Bermuda — that’s the way we see it,” he said.

“We all come from various domestic clubs and different parts of the island but we’ve all taken the Bermuda Hogges to our hearts.

“The belief has always been there but I must admit it’s good to know the next time we play we will have a victory under our belts.

“We have taken a lot of licks so far but kept on going and the supporters who have turned out to watch our games have always got behind us.

“Sean Simmons and Jabrel Tucker have come in at a difficult time but the both stuck to their tasks against the Phantoms and should prove to be good additions to the squad.”

The Hogges now have a fixture break after a hectic recent programme and are next in action against the Cleveland City Stars at the Krenzier Stadium on July 6.

Their next match at the National Sports Centre is against Crystal Palace Baltimore on July 16.