PHC Zebras 2 Dandy Town 3

Dandy Town saved the best for last as a 90th minute strike by diminutive midfielder Reggie Tucker gave the Hornets a hard fought 3-2 win over PHC Zebras yesterday at Somerset CC.

The decisive goal materialised after a quick throw-in deep down Zebras' left side was met by an unmarked Tucker who calmly slotted the ball home from 12 yards past the outstretched hands of `keeper Quincy Hunt.

Tucker's winner capped a thrilling climax to a match which saw three goals in the final four minutes of regulation.

His late heroics also spared the blushes of team-mates Carlos Smith, Khano Smith and second half substitute Kevin Hurdle as they were all guilty of squandering chances - the latter three yards away from an empty goal.

As expected, play during the opening moments of this contest was mostly scrappy as both teams sought to shake off their excess Christmas baggage.

But it was Town who seemed to cope best and they were unlucky not to have forged ahead when Tucker broke free down the right.

However, Hunt - who put in a stellar performance between the sticks - was quick off his line to dispossess his rival.

Three-minutes later, speed demon Carlos Smith failed to capitalise on a breakaway with only Hunt to contend with - the `keeper bravely collecting the ball off a hesitant Smith's boot.

PHC then suffered a blow in the tenth minute when Alale Furbert limped off hurt and was replaced by Michael Williams.

Carlos Smith was then presented with another golden chance to break the deadlock but could only succeed in lofting the ball over from 12 yards out.

However, the veteran striker made amends seconds later when it was he who made the decisive pass to Khano Smith who went on to blast the ball through the hands of Hunt moments before the break.

PHC seemed to come out with more purpose in the second half and almost equalised when an unusually quiet Stephen Astwood had a shot from 15 yards trickle past the far post. Dano Outerbridge then followed up with a powerful header which was stopped by Town `keeper Antione Lightbourne.

Chris Furbert also could have also done better after a rare mix-up in the Town defence allowed him a free shot on goal. However, his usually potent shot eluded him and his effort rolled wide.

After several forays forward, PHC were finally rewarded for their perseverance when Town second half subtitute Sean Smith redirected Otis Steede's corner past his own `keeper. And after Steede rifled home a close range shot on the turn in the 86th minute PHC looked destined for the win.

But Town's never-say-die approach paid off three-minutes later when they were awarded a penalty. Carlos Smith calmly rammed the ball to Hunt's right to leave the rest to Tucker who obliged to earn his team their second 3-2 come-from-behind win over Zebras this season.

PHC: Q.Hunt, D.Wilson, S.Simmons, D.Outerbridge, T.Russell, B.Bean, O.Steede, A.Furbert (M.Williams, 9 mins; T.Russell, 80 mins), C.Furbert, S.Astwood, K.Lambe (D.Russell, 55 mins).

Dandy Town: A.Lightbourne, J.Robinson, M.Lowe, K.Mundy (K.Hurdle, 67 mins), L.Christopher, B.Oriordan, G.Foggo (S.Smith, 55 mins), K.Butterfield (S.Tuzo, 60 mins), R.Tucker, C.Smith, K.Smith.

Booked: J.Robinson (Town).

Men of the match: D.Outerbridge (PHC); R.Tucker (Town).

Referee: George O'Brien.