Boulevard 0 PHC Zebras 4

PHC’s long drive to St David’s was not in vain as they took a step towards winning their tenth league title with a comfortable win over Boulevard at Lord’s yesterday.

Captain Cecoy Robinson scored a brace and assisted in setting up another as PHC scored all four goals in the first half. The game started five minutes late as both teams showed up to play in similar grey outfits. Eventually, Boulevard wore green Fifa bibs to distinguish themselves from their opponents.

In the fifth minute, Tre Ming unleashed a drive from 20 yards which was goalbound but struck the back off his own player. Ming then picked out Robinson with a weighted ball, which the PHC captain smashed against the crossbar.

Boulevard finally conceded in the thirteenth minute. Ming hit a free kick which deflected off the wall sending Boulevard goalkeeper Anniko Burchall the wrong way. Burchall did well to recover but could only parry the ball into the path of Na’eem Griffith, who hit a low drive at the back post for a simple tap-in by Robinson.

Boulevard should have equalised minutes later when Takeyhi Walker sent a long diagonal ball to winger, Aldonte Smith whose low cross found Jahzardae Samuels in front of goal but he hit a weak shot straight at PHC goalkeeper Quinaceo Hunt when well positioned.

Another build-up through the midfield involving Marco Warren and Ming led to the second goal when Ming’s low cross found Boulevard midfielder Niko Smith back-pedalling and he could only slice his attempted clearance into the back of his own net.

Robinson gave a hand in PHC’s third goal when he won possession of a loose ball and played it wide to Ming. His low cross found wing back Daren Usher at the back post who had the luxury of a simple tap-in. Robinson scored his second just before the half when he was played through by Marquel Waldron leaving him with a one-on-one with Burchall. The goalkeeper stayed on his line allowing Robinson to pick his spot and blast home.

McLee Smith was the first to a long ball clearance and played the ball inside to Aldonte Smith but he could only shoot wide.

Smith then beat Hunt to a ball and got a head to it that went wide just before a collision with Hunt. Appeals for a penalty were ignored by referee Anthony Francis.

Niko Smith nearly redeemed his for own goal when he received a corner kick at the near post. His flick was saved by Hunt and pushed back into his path. His second attempt beat the goalkeeper but was cleared off the line.

Warren’s replacement Dunte Albuoy had a golden opportunity to score when he was put through but slammed his shot over the top when well placed. Minutes before the end, Robinson then missed out on his hat-trick when his firm drive went inches over the crossbar.

Despite the win, PHC Coach, Scott Morton was a bit disappointed with the finish “I am not happy with our performance today because it was not consistent,” he said. “I wanted to finish on a strong note. We need to stay focused and play economical football”

With the win, PHC have a three-point lead at the top with two league games remaining. The league title is in their hands to lose.

TEAMS

Boulevard: A Burchall, Z Stovell, T Butterfield, Keemo Smith, A Famous, N Smith, T Walker, J Samuels, K Davis, M Smith (K Easton, 64), Aldonte Smith. Substitutes not used: S Fostin, Y Darrell. Booked: M Smith, J Samuels, N Smith.

PHC: Q Hunt, D Usher, N Griffith, M Lambe, K Abraham (C Castle, 68min), K Bean, M Warren (D Albuoy, 46), M Waldron, T Ming (J Irish – 46th min), I Sharrieff, C Robinson. Substitutes not used: S Trott, J Hassell, C Booth, D Davis.

Referee: A Francis.