after extra time) Dandy Town ran their winning streak to 12 games and at the same time earned a spot in the Friendship Trophy final as they allowed PHC to hang around until late before putting the Zebras to rest.

Two goals by striker Carlos Smith, raising his season tally to 13, and an insurance strike by Paul Cann -- two of the goals coming in over-time -- were the difference, negating a terrific first half blast by PHC veteran Sammy Swan.

If courage were the deciding factor in soccer PHC likely would have won this encounter hands down as they fought hard in the face of adversity, with several members left struggling against injuries as well as their opponents in the end.

Bombarded throughout the over-time period by stronger and fitter opponents the Zebras fell mere moments short of a reprieve when their wall of defence crumbled against unrelenting pressure.

The pitch took on the picture of a deserted battle-field, strewn with the casualties of war and even the victors were forced to deal with much pain and agony.

However, at least Town could rejoice in tales of victory, while PHC were left to regroup and reflect on what might have been.

From the outset it appeared as if the Zebras might not belong on the same field as the Hornets, who created a constant buzz around the opposing goal-mouth.

As early as the first minute Smith blazed down the right flank, outstripping left-back Blenn Bean and crossing to Kris Martin in the middle whose effort was scrambled away for a corner.

Such was the intensity of these early forays that Town were awarded three corner in the first two minutes, putting PHC on the rack.

But this initial burst proved a mere facade and PHC were allowed to work their way back into the proceedings.

A low cross by midfielder Michael Trott in the 11th minute was dummied by Dave Wolffe at the top of the penalty area to Swan.

The forward gathered himself and struck a right-footed shot goal-ward, but this was easily gathered by a well-positioned Cymande Davis in goal.

During this period Wolffe and Swan began to hit stride, with Meshach Wade also a danger pushing forward and Town had reasonable cause for worry.

Still there was nothing the Pembroke club could do to prevent Swan from giving PHC the lead in the 27th minute.

Kenny Mills battled to gain possession in the Town half, slipping the ball to Sheridan Ming, who in turn fed Swan. From 26 yards Swan was able to unleash a screaming drive that thundered past Davis into the back of the net.

Barely a minute elapsed before Town were back on level terms when a scramble in the PHC six-yard box witnessed Smith nodding the ball over the line.

Nothing changed as the interval arrived and the second half proved a lesson in futility for both sides, with Dandy Town agonising as no less than three seemingly goal-bound efforts ricocheted off the cross-bar, while the Zebras simply could not find the tonic to alleviate a rock hard Town defence marshalled by Troy Durham.

Over-time, however, belonged to Town and it was always just a matter of time before they broke through.

The first occasion came in the 115th minute when poor marking during a set piece allowed Smith to get in a near-post header off a Lloyd Christopher free-kick that eluded Williams.

Another occurred through a solo effort by Cann, who made a spirited run along the right flank past Bean and coolly slotted past Williams.

PHC: T.Williams; M.Wade, M.Dill, B.Simons, B.Bean; O.Steede, M.Trott (S.Trott 65 mins), S.Ming; D.Wolffe, S.Swan, K.Mills (M.Smith 81 mins).

Dandy Town: C.Davis; L.Christopher, T.Durham, W.Campbell, W.Rudo; D.Boyles, L.Furbert, K.Martin; T.Lewis (D.Simons 74 mins), P.Cann, C.Smith.

Referee: Richard Knight.

Men of the match: Sammy Swan (PHC), Kris Martin (Dandy Town). PHOTO CARLOS SMITH -- Scored his 12th and 13th goals of the season to lead Town into the Friendship final.