PHC 1 Devonshire Cougars 2

Devonshire Cougars recorded their second win in as many league matches to remain among the early Premier Division leaders after beating defending champions PHC on Sunday night.

A first-half strike from  Enrique Russell for PHC was cancelled out by an equaliser from Cougars’ defender Zari Simmons, while a moment of individual brilliance from Domico Coddington midway through the second half handed PHC their first league defeat of the season.

The veteran forward produced a breathtaking scissor kick on the end of a Jazario Brimmer cross from the right, going horizontal in his effort and watching with delight as the ball ricocheted off one upright and then the other before finding a route over the line.

“It always feels good to score the winner,” said Coddington after the match.

“Especially so in a game like this, which didn’t go how we planned to play or how we wanted to play.

“Games like this one has to show character and that’s what we demonstrated tonight.

“PHC came at us and we looked and stick to our plan and play how we want to play no matter what. It's football and  everyone is going to have their chances and their moments. We had our chances and they had theirs, we were fortunate to take ours.”

Matters did not unfold as planned for the men from the Den as following an early period of intense Cougars pressure, PHC struck in the 21st minute with a suddenness that stunned even the home fans.

In the midst of an attacking foray, the Cougars defence was caught out by a long clearance with Russell quickest to respond, manufacturing a breakaway that he clinically finished when casually lobbing the ball over a hopelessly exposed Alexander Parker-Ingham.

Nonplussed, Cougars were unrelenting as they continued to force ther opponents on the back foot, with Quadir Maynard and Brimmer chief in many a build-up with Coddington a present danger wherever placed up front.

The equaliser that seemed inevitable came in the 34th minute from the unlikely source of centre-back Zaro Simmons, who embarked on a pointed surge forward, taking advantage of inept marking inside the penalty box in getting on the end of a cross from Brimmer and successfully eluding goalkeeper Quinaceo Hunt from 12 yards.

The second half featured a more even battle, which PHC finding increasing gaps in the Cougars defence but unable to capitalise, with Russell the chief culprit .

Coddington made Zebras pay in the 64th minute, with his highlight reel strike and despite late moments of severe PHC pressure, the 2-1 scoreline remained until the final whistle.

“I love my team,” said PHC coach Quincy Hunt following his side’s second straight defeat after they were knocked out of the Dudley Eve Trophy on Thursday night by Somerset Trojans.

“They are having to sacrifice a lot due to players being out through injury and guys having to play out of position.

“We’re working with what we have and I praise my players for giving the effort and determination that was seen tonight.”

SCORERS

PHC: Russell 21

Devonshire Cougars: Z Simmons 34, Coddington 64

TEAMS

PHC Zebras (4-2-3-1): Quinaceo Hunt 6 – D Smith-Lightbourne 6, D Lodge (sub: D Usher, 4min 6), K Abraham 6, D Dowling 6 – J Ebbin 5, R Hassell (sub: S Nisbette, 67 5) – J Iris 5 (sub: J Bather, 65 5) K Bean 6, T Showers 6 – E Russell 6. Substitutes not used: S Trott, J Douglas, R Wilson, M Simmons. Booked: Ebbin, Iris, Quincy Hunt (coach).

Devonshire Cougars (4-5-1): A Parker-Ingham 6 — Z White 6, Z Simmons 7, T Tucker 6, J Thomas 6 — M Joell 6, Q Maynard 6 (sub: D Daniels, 73), E Darrell 6, J Brimmer 6, J Fox 6 — D Coddington 8. Substitutions not used: D Hendrickson, D Williams, L Millett, C Brangman, D Simmons, J Furbert-Wade. Booked: Daniels, Joell.

Referee: T Simons