PHC 2 Devonshire Colts 1

PHC Zebras inched their way closer to the Premier League title yesterday as they saw off a spirited Devonshire Colts at Police Field.

Zebras, who have defender Kevin Richards to thank for sparking their remarkable comeback, did not look the part of league leaders as they missed a bunch of opportunities that could have sown-up the game before the fans had even got settled.

The early moments were tense with PHC showing more purpose with their crisp passing as the half wore on while Colts' inability to put together passes saw their defence put under constant pressure.

Aljame Zuill was a constant menace to captain Omar Shakir's men when he was given service and found himself behind the PHC back line to put the visitors ahead in the 39th minute.

A diagonal ball from inside the Colts half found Zuill goalside of his marker, and he won a foot race with Richards and Zebras keeper Jay Smith to a bouncing ball and saw his header trickle over the line.

With half-time looming both sides looked content with the score.

But when referee George O'Brien blew his whistle to begin the second half, PHC looked like the leaders they are and proceeded to dictate the match with their tireless running and hustle.

And it was no surprise when Bermuda defender Richards rose above all around him to finish superbly with his head to level matters.

A foul deep in the Devonshire half in the 62nd minute led to a cross which dropped delightfully at the penalty spot.

The PHC man rose unmarked and stroked his header into the roof of the net, which sparked celebrations from the visiting fans.

With the scores now level, it was PHC who swarmed around Police Field as if it was their home turf.

Wave after wave of Zebra attacks went begging as speed merchant Cecoy Robinson looked dangerous down the wing.

A golden opportunity gifted to Johnathan Ball crashed against the frame after Robinson beat his man to the byline and swung in a deep cross to the back post.

Colts players, looking tired and disoriented, battled on for the point they thought they deserved.

But on this day lady luck was not on their side as a Raynel (Manga) Lightbourne's shot in the 85th somehow beat the keeper and sent Zebras only a few points away from the title.

The PHC striker had the time and space to make no mistake with his effort.

A scramble in the middle of the pitch saw the ball fall to Lightbourne, who swivelled and looked for team-mates, but realising realising he was alone he fired from some 25 yards out.

The Colts 'keeper couldn't judge the shot and allowed it to nestle comfortably into the back of the net.

Colts tried to push men forward in search of the equaliser, but when it was all said and done, PHC went back home with the points, knowing that they can now control their own destiny.

PHC Zebras: J. Smith, M. Waldron( J. Almeida 16), O. Shakir, K. Richards, C. Dowling, B. Bean, J. Sealy, K. Lewis, D. Russell, C. Robinson, R. Lightbourne

Devonshire Colts: K. Dill, N. Bascome, J. Butterfield, J. Williams, S. Perinchief, S. Burgess, R. Purnell, D. Williams(Q. Aberdeen 78), P. Anderson, A. Zuill, C. Hill

Referee:

G. O'Brien

Man of the Match:

K.Richards