Like their opponents, PHC have endured some rough patches through the early part of the First Division season.

But yesterday's draw at PHC Stadium against a Rangers team that have turned the season around with a four-game win streak, could provide incentive heading into the second half of the season.

Rebounding from last week's 5-2 disaster against Dandy Town, the Zebras turned in a disciplined, intense and, at times, creative effort that finally paid off when Eddy Dowling scored with five minutes remaining.

While the one point wasn't enough to lift them from the relegation zone, it was an indication to new coach Cecil Robinson that the Zebras haven't given up on the season.

"Earlier, the confidence level wasn't there,'' said Robinson, a PHC junior coach who took over two weeks ago from interim boss Jack Castle following the resignation of John Nusum. "It seemed like they had given up, even though half the season hadn't gone by.'' Robinson wasn't taking credit for the improvement, saying he noticed the beginnings of change in attitude about a month ago.

"We were too casual (early in the season) and the players basically decided they were going out to be more aggressive,'' said Robinson.

One of those players who has benefited most is Dowling, who roared down the middle and fired home a short cross from the left by Stevie Astwood for the equaliser.

"His game has grown by leaps and bounds since the start of the season,'' Robinson said.

With Ricky Mallory directing the attack, PHC owned the second half but just couldn't put the ball past 'keeper Randy Darrell or a stiff defence marshalled by Neville Grant. One attempt was swept off the goal-line by a defender and another, by McLee Smith, nicked the post.

The task was made easier by the Rangers' loss of star striker Rohaan Simons to injury after 31 minutes.

Simons, who scored his league-leading 12th goal only 23 seconds into the match, was knocked cold in a collision with Dowling as both players went up for a header. Simons fell awkwardly on the slick pitch and the back of his head slammed into the turf.

He was revived but taken to hospital as a precaution.

The arrival of Janeiro Tucker at half-time -- he came right from the airport to the stadium -- aided Rangers but not enough to overcome the confident goalkeeping of PHC's Quincey Hunt.

Hunt is usually a full back but has goalkeeping experience. Robinson said he gave Hunt the nod in an effort to cure some inconsistent play in the position for much of the season.

PHC: Q.Hunt, C.Dowling, R.Lewis, S.Smith, A.Hunt, R.Mallory, E.Dowling, B.Anderson, K.Mills, M.Smith (C.Bell, 75 mins.), J.Robinson (S.Astwood, 56 mins).

Rangers: R.Darrell, E.Pitt, P.Brangman, J.Raynor, D.Vickers (J.Tucker, 45 minds.), N.Grant, C.Darrell, D.Tucker, H.Dillas, R.Simons (S.Simons, 45 mins.), M.Scott.

Referee: Lawrence DeShields.

Men of the match: R.Mallory (PHC); H.Dillas (Rangers).