PHC must solve the mystery that has surrounded them and the FA Cup the past 11 years.

Despite appearing in five finals over that period they have yet to find the key to unlock the door and present themselves with what many regard the Island's most prestigious trophy.

This week's opponents Dandy Town, though not regarded as cup giants, will be looking to make sure that puzzle goes unsolved and in the process collect their second FA Cup. Ironically it was PHC they defeated to win their first in 1987.

Ordinarily, the Zebras would rate as overwhelming favourites for any title, but cracks have shown in recent cup competitions, highlighted by their loss in the Friendship Trophy to a Southampton Rangers side already relegated to the Second Division.

Midfield is an area that has appeared somewhat unstable for the Zebras.

Frankie Ming has suffered through an indifferent season and the wear and tear of a long career performing at the top level is evident in recent showings by veteran Kevin Dill.

Not so evident on the smaller pitches, where their long-ball attacking style makes little use of the midfield, this weakness has come more to light when playing in the open confines, such as the National Stadium, when players need to link up in order to formulate attacks.

Totally ineffective against Rangers in the last appearance, which saw Sheridan (Baldy) Ming playing out of position in middle of the park, this is an area that must be shored up come Sunday.

Otherwise, PHC have no obvious flaws and aside from Dennis Wainwright -- out with a fractured right ankle -- have no real injury worries. Three starters were missing from the match against Boulevard last weekend -- Dill, Winston Trott and Blake Simons -- but all are expected to suit up for the final.

On the other hand, Dandy Town's midfield has been their strength with skipper Voorhees Astwood and George Dyer turning in consistent performances throughout.

Astwood has shown his ability to lead the team through adversity with injuries, the weeding out of players perceived as being detrimental to the club and the loss of key members to school abroad.

Dyer is a tireless worker, always giving 100 percent, while Ross Parsons has seen some action as of late and may receive the call again this weekend.

The Hornets possess quite a bit of pace up front and coach Robert Calderon faces a pleasant dilemma having to choose from the likes of Lionel Cann, Carlos Smith, Ricky Mallory and Paul Cann, who is expected to take time from his studies at Old Dominion University to fly in along with defender Neil Paynter for the match.

Calderon said that scoring goals is an area of concern for him.

"We've had no problem creating chances, but putting the ball into the back of the net has been.

"It makes no sense outplaying a team if you can't score.'' PHC, and Kyle Lightbourne along with Sammy Swan in particular, have scored goals in abundance -- 44 in league play -- which would indicate that Town would have to find the net more than once if they are to succeed in lifting the Cup.

As mentioned earlier they did put four past the Zebras late last year in the Martonmere Cup competition, however they have failed to get on the scoresheet the two times the sides have met since then in league play. PHC won the first encounter 1-0 and clinched the league championship with a 2-0 victory at St.

John's field on March 22.

"In the three games played it came down to them taking their chances and us not taking ours,'' said Calderon. "We clearly outplayed them in those three games.'' Whoever does manage to score will have to work hard for it as both teams possess sturdy defences.

Mike Dill, Shawn Simmons, Simons and Wainwright have established themselves as the top-rated rearguard in Bermuda, allowing just 18 goals in league play. And although Wainwright will miss the match, utility man Anthony Stovell should have no problem adjusting to the position.

Dandy Town have been no slouches, also rating among the top four. And it will be interesting to see which formation and personnel Calderon decides to use on Sunday with the arrival of Paynter, who will most likely partner Campbell in the middle.

This may mean that Troy Durham or Pernell Douglas get lost in the shuffle with the surplus of defenders.

Nevertheless, on game day all previous results and speculation get thrown out of the window and it will boil down to commitment and which side wants it the most...and, of course, who scores the goals.