Marco Warren, the PHC Zebras midfielder, completed a comeback from ankle injury during his team’s 2-0 Dudley Eve Trophy win over Dandy Town at Goose Gosling Field on Thursday night.

The pint-sized player had remained doubtful up until kick-off, but played the full match to help the champions secure their place in the semi-finals of a competition that honours the legacy of the father of former Zebras coach Alfie Eve.

“I felt really good about my game,” Warren said. “Made a few stray passes but I will get my sharpness back as the season goes on.”

Apart from the odd “stray pass”, last season’s Premier Division MVP showed very little signs of fatigue during his first competitive match of the season.

“I really felt fitter than I thought I would be because this is probably my second or third week back and I didn’t think I would catch my breeze this easily,” Warren said. “I felt like I could run for ever.”

PHC prevailed on goals from Cecoy Robinson, the captain, and Tre Ming either side of the break to eliminate Town, who were goalless in losing both their group matches.

“Overall, I felt it was a good game between both sides and I’m glad to make it to the semi-finals,” Warren said.

“I thought we could’ve capitalised more on chances, of course, making better decisions from crossing positions and whatnot.

“But I thought we did well to also keep a clean sheet, even though we were fortunate not to concede a goal thanks to the linesman’s flag.”

PHC were the most successful team last season, winning the Charity Cup, Dudley Eve Trophy, Friendship Trophy and Premier Division to match the achievement of their 1989-90 predecessors.

They retained the Charity Cup this month when they beat Robin Hood 2-1 and will open their league defence at home to Boulevard tomorrow.

“I always look forward to playing against Boulevard because, as you know, that’s my dad’s old team,” Warren said. “He [Dwight ‘Payback’ Warren] likes to talk trash to me, so this is my chance to get back at him. I always like the opportunity of playing against Boulevard, especially at PHC Field.”