Wolves 1 PHC Zebras 3

Jenico Sealey and D’Andre Wainwright scored late goals to lead Zebras to a crucial Premier Division victory over a competitive Wolves side at Bernard Park yesterday.

Zebras controlled possession for much of the first half and created the first big chance when Wainwright fed Enrique Russell, who forced a smart save from Wolves goalkeeper Chiquon Smith low to his far post.

The champions opened the scoring when DeAndre Smith-Lightbourne sent a ball down the line for T’syi Showers, who delivered a perfect cross to the back post. Antonio Wade headed into the near post with ease.

Wolves gradually grew into the half as Zebras struggled to keep possession. Wolves showed more composure and, after a physical midfield battle, got their reward.

Khiari Sharrieff played a long ball forward and Samario Valasse-Paul was fouled by Kadeem Abraham. Referee Martin Wyer allowed play to continue, and Antinori Butterfield skipped past Jaylon Bather before rounding goalkeeper Quinaceo Hunt to finish into an empty net.

Both sides knew a point would not suffice as the season nears its conclusion.

Smith made a crucial second-half save, denying Bather’s header from an Enrique Russell corner with a reflex stop. Wolves substitute Sebastian Wild clipped a cross into the area, but Kyle Brangman could not connect at the far post.

Both sides pushed for a winner and Mackih McGowan wasted Wolves’ best chance, blasting over the bar after being played in by Sharrieff.

Zebras finally broke through in the 90th minute when Hunt’s goal kick was struck by Wainwright at Smith, who failed to collect the ball. Sealey pounced and finished into the unguarded net. Despite Wolves’ appeals for offside, Wyer upheld the goal after consulting his assistant.

Zebras sealed the win in stoppage time when Showers found Wainwright in space. The striker whipped his shot into the bottom corner, leaving Smith no chance. The champions held on to move level on points with North Village.

SCORERS

Wolves: Butterfield 32

PHC Zebras: Wade 18, Sealey 90, Wainwright 90+2

TEAMS

Wolves (4-4-2): C Smith 6 – J Martin 6, M Mello-Cann 6, K Sharrieff-Hayward 5, M Ming 5 – T Outerbridge 6 (sub: S Wild, 76), K Sharrieff 6, S Valasse-Paul 6, K Browne 6 (sub: K Brangman, 76) – J Douglas 5 (sub: K Douglas, 57 5), A Butterfield 6 (sub: M McGowan, 57 5). Substitutes not used: S Brown, G Minors, K Evans. Booked: Sharrieff-Hayward, Brangman.

PHC Zebras (4-2-3-1): Q Hunt 5 – D Usher 5, D Smith-Davis 6, J Bather 6, D Smith-Lightbourne 5 – J Ebbin 5 (sub: K Bean, 67 5), K Abraham 6 – A Wade 6 (sub: J Sealey, 67 6), E Russell 5, T Showers 5 – D Wainwright 6. Substitutes not used: Y Burgess, T Bean, M Wilson, J Belboda-Raveneau, J Hassell.

Referee: M Wyer.