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Smith brace gives PHC derby bragging rights

PHC skipper Antwan Russell heads the ball over the line after a mix up between Southampton Rangers goalkeeper Edward Albouy and defender McQuinn Burch during a Premier Division match at the Southampton Oval yesterday. PHC won 3-1

Shakir Smith scored twice in the second half as PHC beat Southampton Rangers at Southampton Oval to remain two points behind Dandy Town.Skipper Antwan Russell scored the opening goal, while Rangers captain Vernon Perinchief was also on target.On derby day in Southampton, it was Zebras who had the pressure of claiming the three points to keep close tabs on Town who won on Saturday night to extend their lead to five points at the top of the table.And win they did to keep the gap at the top to just two points.“We all know what will come out of a match with Rangers, they could be in dead last and still they will step up against us. It is always a battle against these guys,” said Russell.“It was hot out there, it was a good game and derby games always bring out the best in both teams.“The form book goes out the window in these game, we knew we had to stay focused for the entire match and we had a hard time breaking them down but in the end we got the points.“In the end the win is what matters most and we can still keep the pressure on Town.”Russell scored the easiest goal he will be presented with in the tenth minute when a mix up between McQuinn Burch and Edward Albuoy allowed the striker to steal in and poke the ball from between the two players.Having no one within 18 yards of him, he calmly got down on all fours and headed the ball home.The lead would last for four minutes, however, as Perinchief let fly from 25 yards, beating Troy Hall in goal for PHC, although it appeared keeper could have done better with the effort.Russell went close a few times in both halves, with one of his free kicks hitting the Rangers far post from some 30 yards before going out.Smith then put the visitors ahead in the 53rd when he worked a well drilled corner with Kevin Lambe to lash his effort into the far post.Two minutes later, it was Russell unleashing a shot that crashed onto the post from 12 yards, much to the relief of Albuoy in goal.For all of Rangers’ endeavours, the all important leveller would elude them, and, with men pouring forward looking for the late goal they were caught on the break by PHC.Receiving a long ball from the back, Russell’s quick turn and release found Smith, who was in full stride, and the pacey winger make no mistake with his shot in the 93rd to seal the win.Southampton Rangers: E Albuoy, A Burrows (A Russell, 67), M Williams, I Mallory, K Symonds (J Caisey, 90), M Burch, V Perinchief, R Lowe (K Astwood, 62), K Jones, Y Bean, D RussellSubstitutes not used: D Curtis, R LoweYellow cards: K Symonds, K Jones, M Williams, Y BeanGoals: V Perinchief, 14PHC: T Hall, J Ball, R Richardson, J Sealy, M Simmons, K Griffith, C Robinson (N Bascome, 75), R Deshields (T Brown, 85), A Russell, S Smith, K LambeSubstitutes not used: T Place, D Usher, DeanYellow cards: R Deshields, J BallGoals: A Russell, 10, S Smith, 53,90+Referee: E HolmesMan of the Match: R RichardsonBoulevard 1Devonshire Cougars 3Kwame Steede, Moses Steede and Reggie Baker all scored as Devonshire Cougars beat Boulevard at BAA Field.In a match that mattered little to the visitors, it was Moses Steede who put his side ahead in the 22nd minute, before big cousin Kwame doubled the lead just before the break.Boulevard got back into the match when Sergio Richardson scored ten minutes before the final whistle, but substitute Reggie Baker made the points safe with his goal in the dying stages.Robin Hood 0Dandy Town Hornets 3League leaders Dandy Town temporarily extended their lead at the top of the table to five points after their win over Robin Hood Saturday night at BAA Field.Raymond Beach gave the Hornets the lead in the 20th minute, before Angelo Simmons doubled the lead in the 53rd.It was left to Damon Ming to find the back of the net and complete the scoring in the 64th minute to cap off the win.