It was not a spectacular performance by any stretch of the imagination, but PHC Zebras still got the goals that counted to carry them into their sixth Martonmere Cup final.

Now they are poised to meet champions Somerset Trojans in a clash that has them matched up for the first time since 1982 when PHC routed the west-enders 4-1. The final will be at National Stadium on November 11.

PHC, forced to field somewhat of a makeshift team with three senior players involved with the national squad, were still able to squeeze by their slightly favoured opponents -- thanks to an early goal by Michael Trott and another right at the end by young striker Shawn Simons.

Simons' goal seemed to awaken a large crowd, which was visibly disturbed by the lacklustre performance by both teams during most of the game.

Substitute Raynel Lightbourne collected the ball 30 yards out and made a defence-splitting pass to Simons who, with his back toward goal, coolly turned and drilled the ball home from 12 yards. It was an effort that even would have made national team striker Kyle Lightbourne, for whom Simons was deputising, proud.

Trott's goal earlier was a simple effort with the diminutive forward steering the ball home from close range after Frankie Ming had created the pass following a fine run down the right flank.

Colts underlined their supremacy during the first 15 minutes, but had little to show for it. However, after PHC overcame this period of shakiness neither team were able to take the initiative and as a result play was undistinguished.

Quincey Aberdeen was a workhorse for Colts up front but needed help to penetrate a defence that improved when centre-backs Mike Dill and veteran Derek Douglas found their groove. That help just never came.

Kenny Mills was the pick of the PHC attack but the raw talent of striker Simons only appeared at the end when he eventually found the mark.

It may not have been a solid PHC performance, but they at least had more to show for their efforts at the end. Colts were hoping to reach the final for the first time since their 2-1 loss to North Village in 1978.

Devonshire Colts: A.Hendrickson; A.Wilson, J.Bean, C.Wright, K.Burchall; H.Trott (G.Smith, 59 mins), E.Weldon, M.Ray; Q.Aberdeen, K.Smith (J.Weeks, 60 mins), C.Smith.

PHC: C.Belboda; S.Simmons, M.Dill, D.Douglas, R.Lewis; O.Steede, F.Ming, S.Ming; M.Trott (R.Lightbourne, 68 mins), S.Simons, K.Mills.

Referee: Esten Curtis.

Men of the match: Ellington Weldon (Devonshire Colts); Kenny Mills (PHC).