PHC's destiny is in their own hands as they bid to become the first team to win a league title in their first year back in the top flight.

But as far as coach Sammy Swan is concerned, there's still a long way to go and plenty of work to be done.

On Sunday, the Zebras reclaimed the top spot in the Premier Division they lost to North Village in mid-January with victory over St. David's. But the performance wasn't impressive as the already-relegated Islanders made them work for the three points.

"St. David's didn't give us anything and before the season is out I think they'll get a couple of victories,'' said Swan as he watched the closing minutes of the match, having come off in the second half.

Tough games are also expected from PHC's last four opponents, defending champions Vasco, Devonshire Colts, Somerset and Wolves, as the title race shapes up for an exciting finish.

"The players are not together as much as I would like them to be,'' said Swan of his young team.

"They are not acting right under pressure. It's not about winning so much but applying yourself when things go wrong. That makes the difference whether you stay in that rut or come out of it.'' The former Bermuda international recently came out of retirement to stop the Zebras slide, which saw them lose six times in seven league and cup games in December and January. They had led the league standings by seven points in mid-December before a loss to Wolves signalled a slump from which they are still recovering.

Swan admitted he had fears about sliding right down the table and into the relegation fight, hence his return.

But in the three games he has played they have turned their fortunes around by beating the bottom three teams Boulevard, Southampton Rangers and St. David's.

Sunday's win not only put PHC a point clear at the top, but also took them out of the relegation equation as third-from-bottom Southampton Rangers cannot now catch them.

Swan now faces a decision on whether to continue playing or return to directing the team from the bench. Although the side are back to winning ways, Swan recognises that there is still a big job ahead.

Injuries are also a concern with Dano Outerbridge missing Sunday's match while his replacement in the heart of the defence, Stanton Lewis, played with his thigh strapped as did midfielder Otis Steede. Full back Dennis Wainright limped off at half-time with a hamstring injury to add to the problems, though there is still some depth in the squad.

PHC know that four victories would mean a first league title since 1992.

"I would like to get them all but if not I'll be satisfied with what I get,'' said Swan.

"I've enjoyed the times I've had with these guys and I don't even know if I'm going to do it next year. If not I want to leave them with something that can help them stand on their own.'' Swan admitted recently that instead of the team picking up the momentum when they led the tables over the holidays, they seemed to slacken off.

"Somebody said to me `you have to do things to get them motivated' but they had a seven point lead and if that didn't motivate them I don't know what will.

"There is still a lot of work, our football is not where it should be. It means hard work, putting in the time to make it better.'' If PHC falter at the last hurdle, there are three or four teams ready to pounce. However, with a six-point lead over Vasco and Dandy Town, and Wolves' championship credentials not proven, the race will likely go down to the wire between the Zebras and Red Devils.

The two teams have already met each other a second time. Village close out their campaign against Somerset, Southampton Rangers, Vasco and Boulevard.

Dark horses Wolves, five points off the lead, meet PHC in their last match of the season. Before that they go up against Southampton Rangers, Boulevard and Devonshire Colts as they aim for at least a top three finish.