Darron (Duke) Simons ensured champions Dandy Town a berth in the Martonmere Cup semi-finals by blasting a hat-trick while Carlos Smith and substitute Kevin Hurdle added a goal apiece to end PHC's run in the competition at BAA field on Saturday night.

Simons, playing his first game of the season, scored the team's second, third and fifth goals and turned in a performance that will surely have new coach Andrew Bascome and Town fans anticipating a return to top form by the striker this season.

PHC played the last four minutes a man short when substitute David Hunt was sent off by referee Lyndon Raynor for using foul language to lineman Gregory Smith.

While Town had an attack that showed more imagination, it was anything but a night of despair for the PHC fans whose team were able to respond with supreme confidence when they fell behind all night.

Lighting the fuse for Town to put them on track for victory was right fullback Lloyd Christopher who had laid on two of the first three goals.

After 12 minutes Carlos Smith headed home from close when Christopher crossed from the right but Town failed to take further command two minutes later when young Raymond Beach missed a sitter from close in.

PHC equalised after 19 minutes when Raynel Lightbourne crossed for Duval Wilson to smartly head a ball home from about 13 yards.

After 39 minutes Lightbourne was positioned on his goal line to head a ball away that was destined for the back of the net.

Simons put Town ahead 2-1 after 47 minutes after taking a cross from Carlos Smith and eight minutes later he added another from Christopher's pass.

After 57 minutes Lightbourne pulled one back for PHC after teaming up with Ottis Steede. But 12 minutes later, Town went back two goals up when Hurdle headed home a chip from Darron Simons.

PHC responded a minute later when centre-back Kuma Smith fouled Lightbourne and Outerbridge converted the penalty to make it 4-3.

Town were to find their rhythm after the scare with Darron Simons getting his third after 83 minutes to finish off PHC.

Dandy Town: J.Smith; L.Christopher, K.Smith, R.Swan, M.Lowe; D.Boyles (P.Douglas, 70 min), L.Furbert, D.Binns (K.Hurdle, 45 min); R.Beach, C.Smith, D.Simons PHC: J.Robinson; D.Francis (M.Lambe, 74 min), D.Outerbridge, R.Lewis, C.Dowling; C.Furbert, O.Steede, S.Lewis; S.Astwood (D.Hunt, 38 min), D.Wilson, R.Lightbourne Referee: Lyndon Raynor Men of the match: Lloyd Christopher (Town); Raynel Lightbourne (PHC) Yellow cards: C.Dowling (PHC)None Red cards: D.Hunt (PHC)