Defender Kevin Richards has called for calm after PHC's shock defeat to fellow strugglers Southampton Rangers to leave Zebras braced for a potential relegation scrap.

PHC's 2-0 loss at Southampton Oval at the weekend leaves the defending champions out of the drop zone on goal difference only – an unthinkable scenario considering their outstanding treble-winning trophy 2007-8 season.

Kyle Lightbourne's team are now level on points with Rangers who gained promotion to the top flight last season.

Bermuda international Richards believes PHC's lack of urgency has been the biggest difference between last term's trophy-laden campaign and this season's disappointing return.

"Urgency. We have lost urgency in clearing our defensive lines and we lack urgency in front of goal and spurn chances," said Richards. "Our football is as fluid as ever, but we are letting ourselves down because we are not ruthless."

PHC will need to be ruthless if they are to move themselves away from the relegation zone with crucial games against all those teams above them on the horizon.

First they travel to St. John's Field to take on league leaders Dandy Town and high flying striker Raymond Beach, followed by a home match against a rejuvenated North Village side who are making their own move up the table.

Richards has refused to be drawn into any talk of relegation and the prospect of playing 12.30 p.m. football next season and reckons the return of their killer instinct in front of goal and a little bit of luck could see them turn things around.

"There is no doubt that we need to score goals as we had the chances on Sunday, but the combination of missed chances and handing teams goals that they haven't earned is one that has led us into a relegation battle as opposed to a championship race this season," he said.

"We have to take things one game at a time and look to get a result in our next league game against Town."

Back in December, Lightbourne quit as a coach following a defeat against Devonshire Cougars at the Den, a team source revealed to The Royal Gazette.

Upset over his team's poor run of form lately and internal turmoil at the club Lightbourne decided enough was enough, although the ex-professional vehemently denies throwing in the towel.

His former assistant coach Jack Castle left the club earlier this season after a row with PHC officials and is currently helping out Hamilton Parish.