Wolves showed their fangs, ripping into PHC for a 2-0 win at BAA Field last night, moving closer to a spot in the knock-out phase of the Martonmere Cup competition.

A pair of goals from fleet-footed forward Chae Simmons early in the second half served to devour the Zebras, who appeared more as defenceless prey than potential kings.

Simmons too had looked lacklustre up until then, as emphasised by his immediate substitution after he had notched his second. However, his poaching completed, the youngster could take solace in fine returns from the hunt.

The first half provided little in the form of constructive soccer, with neither side able to stamp any authority on the proceedings.

However, late in the period it became clear that Wolves possessed greater ideas, their midfield of Mark Ray, Jared Peniston, Anthony Thomas and Tori Davis linking well to feed the front line.

Still they were unable to break the deadlock.

That all changed after the break as Wolves centre-back Jamel Warren released Simmons along the right flank with a searching through-ball and the forward did the rest. Flashing a lightening burst of speed to lose his marker and burst into the penalty area, unleashing a drive that rocketed past Jason Anderson at the near post.

The cheers had barely subsided when Simmons again unearthed a lead-footed PHC defence, this time nipping between Anderson and Stanton Lewis inside the area, leaving himself with the easiest of tap-ins.

Though happy with a result that avoided their ouster from the tournament, victorious coach Dennis Brown was anything but enamoured by his squad's showing.

"We had to win,'' said Brown. "(But) I'm totally not satisfied with the overall performance, I thought the first half was close to pathetic in terms of the game plan we set out to do. The second half we settled down a little bit and that gives us something to build on.'' PHC: J.Robinson; E.Hunt, S.Lewis, D.Outerbridge, C.Dowling; C.Furbert, O.Steede (M.Lambe 87 mins), T.darrell (T.Russell 65 mins); S.Astwood, R.Lightbourne, D.Wilson (D.Hunt 70 mins).

Wolves: C.Durrant; T.Trott, D.Sharrieff, J.Warren, A.Caisey; A.Thomas (S.Waldron 65 mins), M.Ray, T.Davis, J.Peniston (C.Smith 83 mins); N.Smith, C.Simmons (S.Crockwell 58 mins).

Referee: Richard Knight Men of the match: Ottis Steede (PHC), Jamel Warren (Wolves) Yellow cards: Ottis Steede (PHC); Jamel Warren, Mark Ray (Wolves)