It would appear that rumours of PHC's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Media sceptics have been quick to write off the Zebras' chances of defending the Premier Division, but the Warwick club yesterday responded in the best possible fashion, proving such criticism to be no more than idle chatter.

A goal each from Damon Francis and Raynel Lightbourne during a lively first half allowed the home side an upset victory over highly rated Dandy Town, a side expected to challenge for league and cup honours this season and one which had hammered PHC 5-3 during an earlier contest.

However, this time around it was the Hornets left to lick their wounds, as they appeared not remotely close to championship material except for a brief period early in the first half.

Carlos Smith's glancing header barely two minutes into the match and a snap-shot by Kevin Hurdle that PHC's veteran goalkeeper Carlyle Crockwell did well to smother were the few bright spots for the visitors.

With Ottis Steede once again in ravishing form, directing from his central midfield position, and forwards Stephen Astwood and Lightbourne stretching the opposition defence, PHC always looked the more likely to break through.

Steede forced a diving save from Jason Smith after but four minutes, and Astwood called on the young 'keeper to do likewise 10 minutes later as he unleashed a ferocious drive from the top of the area that appeared earmarked for the low left corner.

Yet for all his heroics Smith gifted PHC the first goal in the 31st minute, as he allowed a free-kick from the right side by full-back Francis, which was intended as a cross, to float over his outstretched fingertips into the back of the net.

And then moments before half-time Smith once again failed in his judgment of a cross, resulting in another score.

Mike Lambe found room to roam on the right side, sending in a cross that Smith let slip through his hands to a waiting Lightbourne at the far post, the latter gleefully tapping the ball home to double the advantage.

"It was a situation where we had been trying to play like everybody else instead of in our usual style,'' said an obviously pleased head coach Sammy Swan afterwards. "We had to get back to doing what we do best and that's play direct, attacking football.

"The first few games (in the Martonmere and Charity Cup) we were playing a lot of different guys and seeing what they could do, but our main focus has always been the league.

"Many of the guys in the team are young and a little green, but they're catching on slowly but surely. It's been our main job to try and get them mentally prepared to defend the title and know what it is to be and act like champions.'' PHC: C.Crockwell; S.Lewis, C.Dowling, R.Lewis, D.Francis; C.Furbert, O.Steede, A.Washington (D.Hunt 81 mins); S.Astwood, R.Lightbourne, M.Lambe (D.Wilson 68 mins).

Dandy Town: J.Smith; G.Gibbons (R.Beach 45 mins); K.Smith, R.Swan, D.Binns; S.Smith, D.Boyles, P.Douglas; K.Martin (P.Cann 45 mins), C.Smith, K.Hurdle (D.Simons 59 mins).

Referee: Richard Knight.

Men of the match: Ottis Steede (PHC), Sean Smith (Dandy Town).

Yellow cards: Andre Washington (PHC), Randy Swan (Dandy Town).

Red cards: None.