PHC advanced to the semi-finals of the FA Cup last night, but only just, after Raynel Lightbourne converted an injury-time penalty to extinguish the hopes of a game Social Club outfit.

Following the flowing spectacle of Bermuda's under-17s a night previous, the display of the two teams at The Den resembled nothing more than cow fodder, as the two sides proceeded to put on a decrepit show of soccer.

In the end a pair of strikes from Lightbourne and a first-half penalty strike from Dano Outerbridge served to advance the Zebras, but the Bluebirds, with Eric Dunkley and Raymond Burgess as their scorers at least gave a gallant attempt.

The opening moments saw PHC in full attack mode, and a score seemed imminent.

Sammy Swan and Tillman Darrell conspired to squander a gift opportunity when they eluded the off-side trap in the 13th minute, as Darrell shot too softly at the open goal, allowing Troy Lewis to recover and clear.

Three minutes later they took advantage in accepting more charity, as Sherwin Jennings was blown for handling in the area and Outerbridge stepped up to deposit the ball past Shejuan Swan, who got a hand to the effort. Social Club, the First Division's bottom team, gradually found their legs and equalised in the 32nd minute in bizarre fashion, Crockwell advancing to head clear a long ball forward, but watching in disbelief as the ball ricocheted off the head of a charging Dunkley, who followed up to nod the ball over the line.

Dunkley missed a sitter from eight yards moments before the break and his team paid the price for the gaffe eight minutes into the second half as Lightbourne volleyed home his first after Social Club's defence were lax in clearing a bouncing ball.

Burgess though brought the underdogs back even in the 76th minute, turning on a cross from Troy Lewis, giving Crockwell nary a moment to blink as the ball thundered home.

With play meandering back and forth extra time looked a certainty .. . that is until veteran player/coach Sammy Swan produced a move from the archives, weaving past two defenders before being hacked by a third, leaving referee Oral Swan no option but to point to the spot.

Lightbourne expertly converted, drawing a collective sigh of relief from team-mates and fans alike.

PHC: C.Crockwell; D.Francis, R.Lewis, D.Outerbridge, A.Washington T.Russell 77 mins); C.Furbert, D.Wilson, S.Astwood; T.Darrell (M.Smith 56 mins), S.Swan, R.Lightbourne.

Social Club: S.Swan; R.Hudson, L.Rayner (R.Hill 61 mins), T.Lewis, S.Jennings; D.Ming (K.Richardson 73 mins), P.Puckerin, Y.Richardson; T.Russell, E.Dunkley (L.Richardson 81 mins), R.Burgess.

Referee: Oral Swan.

Men of the Match: Raynell Lightbourne (PHC); Troy Lewis (Social Club).

Yellow cards: Troy Lewis, Sherwin Jennings (Social Club).