Devonshire Colts methodically threw PHC out of gear early with three first-half goals and held on to score an emphatic victory in this Friendship Trophy semi-final replay at BAA last night.

With striker Ellington Weldon scoring twice and skipper Craig Smith getting the other goal, Colts wasted little time establishing their authority and by the interval they had all but destroyed their opponents by establishing a commanding 3-0 lead.

Actually PHC may have been even worse off by the break had Weldon converted a penalty after 43 minutes. But his spot kick was brilliantly saved by substitute goalkeeper Ty Williams who was brought on to replace starter Chris Belboda after 37 minutes when Colts had taken the 3-0 lead.

Unlike their last match-up on March 9 when players of both teams were involved in brief fights after the game, there was no uncalled for roughness this time although referee Peter Sousa stopped play for two minutes when two fans fought behind the southern goal after 12 minutes.

But PHC's night of frustration had started before that eruption. The game was just two minutes old when skipper Smith received a short free kick from Mark Ray and rifled home a fierce drive from 20 yards to give Colts a 1-0 lead.

After 21 minutes, with PHC still bewildered by the early setback, Colts struck again when Ray's short corner saw Smith cross the ball to Weldon who smartly stroked it home.

PHC came back with their best chance after 29 minutes when striker Sammy Swan headed a free kick taken by centre-back Mike Dill just wide of the post from 14 yards.

However, Colts were still in command and after 35 minutes Weldon made it 3-0 when he headed a Smith corner into goal from close range.

PHC would have really been floored for good had Williams not been alert to dive full length to push Weldon's penalty kick over just before the half. And they were again relieved a minute later when a blistering drive by Ray was sensationally tipped over by the efficient Williams.

Play in the second half was more competitive but PHC still struggled to work the ball into goal-threatening areas.

The introduction of Kenny Mills for Winston Trott added much needed bite up front, but the Colts defence still was able to deal with most of the PHC raids.

Swan headed an Ottis Steede corner just over after 56 minutes in PHC's first threat after play resumed but PHC had to wait until the game was 70 minutes old to score.

Their goal was a sensational one with Michael Trott blasting home an angled shot from 15 yards out on the right.

PHC: C.Belboda (T.Williams, 37 min); N.Simons, M.Dill, D.Outerbridge, S.Smith; O.Steede, D.Rawlins, F.Ming; W.Trott (K.Mills, 48 min), S.Swan, M.Trott.

Devonshire Colts: A.Lightbourne; L.Hypolite, D.Wright, J.Samuels, A.Wilson; M.Ray, K.Burchall, D.Williams (Y.Wade, 64 min); K.Smith (Q.Aberdeen, 75 min), C.Smith, E.Weldon.

Referee: Peter Sousa Men of the match: Dana Rawlins (PHC); E.Weldon (Devonshire Colts).