Striker Kyle Lightbourne, who wrecked Boulevard with a brilliant goal to clinch the Charity Cup, came close to matching that effort again yesterday when he scored the equaliser after 61 minutes to give defending champions PHC a deserved point in this First Division season-opener at Frog Lane.

Lightbourne rattled a spirited, young Devonshire Colts team with an individual piece of work that levelled the score. He collected the ball 15 yards outside the penalty area and, advancing swiftly, beat two defenders before thundering home a shot that gave goalkeeper Andre Hendrickson no chance.

The goal came after Colts experienced a period of shakiness early in the second half, but they quickly recovered and pinned the visitors down for long spells for the rest of the match.

Colts played with a lot of fight and determination and matched their more seasoned opponents for much of the first half.

The opening goal came after 43 minutes from a penalty converted by Ellington Weldon.

The penalty was awarded after skipper Mike Dill and left-back Roderick Lewis sandwiched Quincey Aberdeen as he raced down the middle of the penalty box.

But it turned out to be an eventful spot-kick.

Craig Smith was chosen to take it and his first kick was stopped by substitute 'keeper Carlyle Crockwell but the 'keeper was ruled by referee Gregory Belboda to have moved. The second was again blocked by Crockwell who was penalised to have moved a second time and Belboda again had it retaken.

Colts decided to have Weldon replace Smith and the third attempt saw the former place his shot good. Until that period PHC held a slight edge with Sheridan Ming and Lightbourne showing hesitation shooting following good approach work. At the other end Craig Smith was dangerous for Colts while winger Aberdeen penetrated deep into PHC's half at will with spirited runs at the defence.

Ming blew a chance when he shot right into the chest of Hendrickson after four minutes and Lightbourne headed wide.

But Smith came back for Colts and forced starting goalkeeper Ty Williams to punch his curling drive from 16 yards for a corner. Williams landing awkwardly on his shoulder and was forced out of the match after only 10 minutes.

Crockwell later made a good save from a header by Joey Weeks after 27 minutes.

PHC's new coach Jack Castle had to be concerned about his sluggish attack during the interval but two minutes upon the restart, hard-working midfielder Otis Steede shot at the goalkeeper and Lightbourne headed just over.

Hendrickson was sharp to save a fine header by Lightbourne after a Sammy Swan corner, ensuring that Colts got the one point they deserved.

Devonshire Colts: A.Hendrickson; J.Belboda, L.Symonds, C.Wright, K.Burchall; H.Trott, D.Wright, E.Weldon; Q. Aberdeen (K.Lawrence, 86 mins), J.Weeks (K.Smith, 48 mins), C.Smith.

PHC: T.Williams (C.Crockwell, 10 mins); S.Simmons, M.Dill, D.Outerbridge, R.Lewis; O.Steede, K.Dill, F.Ming; S.Swan, K.Lightbourne, S.Ming (M.Smith, 61 mins).

Referee: Gregory Belboda.

Men of the match: Quincey Aberdeen (Devonshire Colts); Otis Steede (PHC).

HAIRY MOMENT -- Devonshire Colts goalkeeper Andre Hendrickson scrambles to recover as PHC's Sammy Swan challenges at Frog Lane yesterday.