Wolves 3 PHC 2

Wolves made an auspicious start to their defence of the Martonmere Cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory over PHC at BAA Field last night.

Two first half goals from Khari Sharrieff, one a penalty, and a brilliant effort from Chae Simmons ultimately proved enough against a PHC side that did well to fight back in the second period, but eventually fell short.

The champions got off to the best of starts, pressuring their opponents' defence from the opening whistle and finding a way through in the second minute.

Jared Peniston, who would prove a handful the entire night with his darting runs and dribbling skills, gained possession deep in PHC territory and eluded his marker before delivering a pinpoint cross from the left side that was met by the head of Sharrieff, who sent the ball crashing past goalkeeper Quincy Hunt from eight yards. Action continued one way as Wolves sought to fortify their position, and another breakthrough was achieved in the 31st minute when Nakia Smith was hacked down by Hunt as he ventured inside the penalty area. Sharrieff calmly stepped forward to place the spot kick into the left corner.

The best goal of the night came a minute before the interval as Simmons dispossessed PHC full back Corey Dowling 40 yards out and, spotting Hunt off his line, neatly chipped the ball home over the keeper's head.

PHC appeared dead and buried at this point, but a late flurry saw them pull two goals back. Temiko Flood was able to hold off a defender at the edge of the area before turning and firing past Michael Higgs in the 72nd minute, and 15 minutes later substitute Dennis Russell executed a carbon copy move to beat Higgs. But this would be all the cheering for the Zebras on this night.

Wolves: M.Higgs; J.Simmons, A.Thomas, T.Davis, J.Douglas; M.ray, N.Smith, D.Simmons (R.Thomas 69 mins), J.Peniston; C.Simmons (V.Minors 63 mins), K.Sharrieff (A.Davis 87 mins).

PHC: Q.Hunt; J.Sealey, S.Lewis, C.Furbert, C.Dowling; M.Noha (N.Hayward 46 mins), S.Russell (E.Bean 65 mins), S.Astwood, M.Williams (D.Russell 63 mins); D.Wilson, T.Flood.

Referee: Lyndon Raynor

Men of the Match: Jared Peniston (Wolves); Corey Dowling (PHC).

Dev.Cougars 1 Dev.Colts 1

Devonshire Colts fought back to grab a share of the spoils from Devonshire Cougars during this see-saw clash in Group B.

Cougars went ahead in the 39th minute when Heys Wolffe's threaded pass unearthed Colts defence and sent Mark Smith free through the middle. The dreadlocked midfielder showed great composure in sidestepping goalkeeper Kevin Bean before slotting the ball home. The 1-0 score stood until the 64th minute when Clevon Hill hit the equaliser after he latched onto a through ball and beat Ricardo Brangman.

Devonshire Cougars: R.Brangman; S.Smith, G.Butterfield (C.Smith 64 mins), D.Brangman, M.Dill; K.Goddard, M.Smith (J.Salaam 85 mins), K.Steede; R.Clacken (C.Darrell 64 mins), R.Beach, H.Wolffe.

Devonshire Colts: K.Bean; S.Burgess, M.Bean, K.Simpson, J.Dill (Q.Aberdeen 47 mins); D.Zuill, Jermaine Belboda, A.Zuill; J.Butterfield (N.Samuels 64 mins), C.Hill, L.Holder (K.Lawrence (72 mins).

Referee: Cal Simons (Anthony Mouchette 60 mins)

Men of the Match: Devon Brangman (Cougars); Jermaine Belboda (Colts).