Kyle Lightbourne has dubbed PHC's pivotal clash against Devonshire Cougars tomorrow as a 'do-or-die' affair with the defending champions knowing defeat will all but end their title aspirations.

Zebras are still searching for the winning formula that saw them dominate domestic football last term and languish in fourth position — five points adrift of tabletoppers Boulevard.

Although the season is still in its infancy PHC have already suffered more defeats than throughout their memorable 2007-8 campaign, when they clinched the Premier Division title, Martonmere Cup and FA Cup.

Trying to decipher why his side have suffered from the same 'second season syndrome' that afflicted 2006 champions North Village and 2007 top dogs Cougars, has left Lighbourne reaching for his painkillers.

Ironically, considering how stingy his defence was last term, it has been PHC's back-line which has given him the most headaches so far this year.

"I've been thinking about why we haven't found our consistency a lot lately," said Lightbourne, speaking after shooting 80 in yesterday's Gosling's Invitational golf tournament.

"Last season we never looked like conceding but this season we always look like shipping goals.

"Whereas last season we were able to win one nil, now we have to score two or three to have a chance of winning. It's strange because Village struggled the season after winning the title in 2006 and so did Cougars after they won (in 2007). I wouldn't say we've been complacent though."

Lightbourne believes another defeat would leave Zebras having to win all of their remaining matches of the season to stand any chance of retaining their Premier Division crown.

"It really is a crunch game for us. We need to rediscover our winning formula and victory over Cougars will really give us a new lease of life.

"If we lose I believe we would have to win all of our remaining matches to be able to retain our title. That's how important this match is for us — it's do-or-die.

"I don't think there's a whole lot wrong with us though.

"I mean, we should have beaten Hamilton Parish convincingly in our last game but ended up losing and that's been the story of our season so far."

Unbeaten Cougars have arguably been the standout side this season under new coach Devar Boyles and lifted this campaign's first piece of silverware by beating the Rams in the final of the Martonmere Cup.

Picking up a victory against Cougars in their own backyard will be a tough test, as Lightbourne is well aware.

"Cougars have been the in-form team this season and have still not been beaten," he said.

"They've started really well under Devar Boyles and we know just how difficult this game will be.

"My players will have to be at their best."

PHC play Cougars at Devonshire Rec. tomorrow. Kick off is at 9 p.m.