Before a ball had been kicked, it was first-time Dudley Eve Trophy finalists Wolves who were said to be entering uncharted territory. But the roles have been well and truly reversed, as PHC attempt on New Year's Day at Wellington Oval to become the first team to win the title after losing the first leg by two goals.

In fact, only twice in the 23-year history of the competition have first-leg losers gone on to title glory - North Village in 1984-85 against PHC and the Red Devils again in 1987-88 against Hotels, in the first final to be decided by penalties.

PHC coach Mark Wade is confident that his side has the make-up to create history. "I believe I have some of the best players on the Island when it comes down to heart," he said, "and PHC is no strange to making history. I believe this is the team to do it."

The coach's belief was fuelled by a host of opportunities that were either wasted or turned aside by the in-form Corby Durrant in the Wolves goal.

He said: "We knew we wanted to score two, one at least to give us a chance for New Year's Day and I thought the guys battled back well to get that one goal. I don't think we were ever out of it in terms of play but I didn't think we managed to capitalise on some of the chances that we had.

"It didn't help that Corby was on his thing today. He had a good game."

Wolves coach, Dennis Brown, agreed before confirming that the musical chairs theory of selecting his goalkeepers will be abandoned for the decisive second leg. "Corby did extremely well," Brown said. "It looks like I'm going to have to put him in again to make sure that we get the job done. No disrespect to (Michael) Higgs, but Corby did well today."

There was a chance that Brown would have the luxury of ringing in the changes had Wolves scored from the three or four golden opportunities that they had before John Barry Nusum set the game on its head with a wonderful double strike. But, while confident, he remains cautious after a less than satisfactory second-half display.

"Even if we had scored six goals, we still have to play the full 90 minutes in the next match," he said. "Although it is disappointing to give the goal away late, I expect us to do the job on Tuesday."

No strangers to disciplinary measures, Wolves have to contend with the absence of Khari Sharrieff for the second time in this tournament after he was dismissed for offences that may warrant a few stern words from the coach behind closed doors. Nevertheless, Brown has numerous options with Jared Peniston having started on the substitutes' bench yesterday and Sekai Waldron available for the second leg after suspension.

"Khari's a big asset to my team but whoever comes in will be expected to do the job," Brown said. "It's just a matter of reshuffling to see who we put up there with John Barry."

PHC may have their own reshuffling to do if they are to contemplate an all-out assault of the expanses of Wellington Oval. One surely must see Otis Steede reinstated to midfield with Dano Outerbridge dropping back to the defence in the absence of Stanton Lewis while Raynel Lightbourne's involvement remains questionable.