VICTORY in the Martonmere Cup, qualification for the Dudley Eve tournament and first place in the Premier Division tables at the halfway stage of the season represents an outstanding first three months of the 2007/08 season for PHC Zebras.

But there is no time to get carried away, coach Kyle Lightbourne warned this week. The top spot over Christmas is still up for grabs with the Zebras holding down a two-point lead over North Village Rams going into this weekend's games which have been brought forward from next weekend.

PHC have been the surprise team so far, winning the Martonmere Cup and climbing, unbeaten, to the top of the table while title favourites Village and Devonshire Cougars have struggled for consistency. Still, Village remain unbeaten and within reach of top spot going into their match with Devonshire Colts on Sunday. Cougars are a further four points back but victory over Ireland Rangers could see them close that gap if one of the top two slip up.

The Zebras face a tricky match at St. John's field against Dandy Town, one of four teams on eight points, knowing that another victory will keep them in first place going into the Christmas break.

"Village are only two points behind us so we could get two defeats in a row and find ourselves two points behind," said a cautious Lightbourne.

"That's the way it is with three points for a win. We have to continue believing we're going to win games, that's our main focus. I would rather be in this position than the position we were in last year at this time.

"I know there is going to come a time when nerves and all sorts of things are going to come into play but it is up to us, the coaches, to guard against that and realise we've got a tough game coming up on the weekend."

With three former PHC players in the Town squad ¿ Otis Steede, Shakir Smith and Antoine Russell ¿ Lightbourne expects an even tougher test as those players set out to prove a point.

The team have been transformed into a force this season, thanks to the coaching assistance from former PHC players Jack Castle and Derrick (Nails) Douglas and the role of manager Cal Waldron. Several factors have contributed to the resurgence of this once formidable club, not least the fitness, for whom Lightbourne credits trainer Ellie Wilson. There is also a tremendous spirit within the team.

"That's what we're trying to do, bring back the spirit within the club and it seems to be going along quite well," said Lightbourne who played in successful PHC teams prior to turning professional 15 years ago.

"We sit down after games, we have food and there is a big team morale. First and foremost we wanted to get them as fit as possible and Ellie has done a great job in getting the players fit. I feel we are probably the fittest team on the island and that really helps.

"When we are in games and as long as it is nil-nil we tend to take over in the last 15 minutes with our fitness. That has helped in a big way. Plus the players have been training week in and week out. Last year we had quite a few injuries at the beginning of the season but in pre-season we did a lot of fitness work."

While winning the Dudley Eve is a top priority for the club, Lightbourne revealed that the holiday tournament may give him the opportunity to rest a few players and look to include others who are trying to break through.

"We're in the competition and want to do well, but we have one or two players who are carrying a bit of a strain so this is the opportunity for us to give them a bit of a breather, time to recover," he explained.

"We'll have a few players come back from university and that will give them an opportunity to play. Our squad will be tested over the Dudley Eve period. There are guys who haven't been playing who we'll be looking to use during Dudley Eve because come the second half of the season when we pick up a few injuries, we're going to need everyone to be available.

"With Kevin Richards coming back from England that has been a big plus. He brings a good professional attitude to the game, what we would call a '100 percenter'. With Jack being an assistant to me since January and 'Nails' helping out we have built a good team off the field as far as the coaching staff, and on the field the players have responded."

Certainly there will be plenty to play for this weekend as four teams tied on eight points (Dandy Town, Cougars, Boulevard and Devonshire Colts) battle for the last two Dudley Eve places. Somerset Trojans, second from bottom and not in contention for Dudley Eve, desperately need a victory over Boulevard at home on Sunday in order to keep close to the teams above them.

The First Division promotion race is also getting tighter with Hamilton Parish still leading the pack and Southampton Rangers and Somerset Eagles just two points behind. St. David's climbed up to fourth, ahead of Wolves who suffered their first loss of the season on Tuesday night against Eagles.

On Sunday, Eagles entertain Parish (3.00) in the top match in the division while St. David's are at home to Social Club in a match that has been switched from Bernard Park. Wolves meet St. George's at Devonshire at 12.30 while the other matches see Paget hosting BAA at White Hill (12.30) and Prospect taking on X-Roads at Police Field at 12.30.