Clay Darrell, the Dandy Town Hornets striker, struck an extra-time winner against ten-man PHC Zebras to help his side reach the Friendship Trophy final at Bernard Park on Saturday.

Hornets, who claimed the Dudley Eve Trophy last month with a penalty shoot-out victory over Somerset Trojans, will meet Robin Hood in the final at the National Sports Centre on New Year’s Day.

Darrell ensured the full-blooded semi-final, played in front of an impressive festive crowd, would not be decided by penalties when he fired a left-footed effort past Daniel Adams, the PHC goalkeeper, after he was released on goal with a defence-splitting pass by substitute Ayshaun Smith.

Both teams deserved praise for playing their part in what was a thoroughly compelling tie, with Jomar Wilkinson, the Town coach, believing the game had been a fine advert for the domestic game, which has been besieged with antisocial problems this season.

“I wish football could be like this in Bermuda week in, week out — it was quality today,” Wilkinson said.

“It was a very difficult game and PHC were very tough opponents. Both teams fought extremely hard and my hat goes off to both teams.

“I’m just glad we came out as winners and now we can look forward to the final on New Year’s Day against Robin Hood.”

PHC took the lead in the 36th minute when Mikkail Crockwell, the Town goalkeeper, fumbled a seemingly innoxious ball pumped into the box from deep, with Shakir Smith, the Zebras striker, keeping his cool to find room to squeeze his effort into the net.

Zebras’ lead was short-lived, however, with Darrell winning his side a penalty in Hornets’ next flourish forward after referee Anthony Francis adjudged him to have been stopped in his tracks by goalkeeper Adams. Damon Ming, who was deployed in an uncustomary right back position, stepped up to score from the spot to give the scoreline parity at the interval.

The hapless Adams conceded another second penalty on 54 minutes, tripping Town midfielder Angelo Simmons as he attempted to round the goalkeeper after showing the PHC defence a clean set of heels while latching onto a long ball.

Somewhat to Wilkinson’s chagrin on the sidelines, Simmons persuaded Ming to relinquish his penalty-taking duties and avoided his coach’s wrath by converting the spot kick to give his side the lead. PHC’s task became even more arduous when they were reduced to ten men after midfielder Tre Ming, who had returned to the Island from his overseas studies, was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Despite their numerical advantage, Town struggled for the remainder of regulation time, inviting pressure by sitting deep despite clear instructions to move their defensive line forward from their coaching staff. They were punished for their negative approach two minutes from time when Ryan Hassell, the PHC substitute, headed home a cross from the left to send the Zebras bench into raptures.

Hornets found their second wind during extra time with the introduction of Smith particularly causing problems for PHC with his waspish movement. The former PHC striker created Darrell’s match-winner and arguably should have scored with a late chance but could not find a clinical finish.

Wilkinson, whose team have struggled in the league this season, admitted he was at a lose to explain their contrasting form in the cup competitions.

“I can’t put my finger on why we have not done so well in the league,” said Wilkinson, whose side won the title, FA Cup and Dudley Eve Trophy last season. “It’s difficult to understand why we have lost our focus in the league but we have a young team and we seem to be improving.”