If yesterday's performance is anything to go by, this is going to be a long season for the new PHC coaching partnership of Kenny Burt and Sammy Swan.

Two goals in seven minutes late in the first half from Lamaul Crofton and Keion Simmons and another right at the end by Rodney Bascome gave the Trojans a deserved win at PHC Stadium, even though the final scoreline was somewhat flattering.

The defensive frailties of the home side will take some correcting. Add to that the uncertain future of young centre-half Dano Outerbridge -- currently awaiting sentencing at Westgate Correctional Facility -- and pressing of the panic button at this early stage may indeed by inevitable.

The central partnership of Mark Wade and young Chauncey Smith struggled all afternoon and if not for some timely interventions by goalkeeper Jason Robinson, the Trojans could have gone back west with a sizeable score.

That is not to say that Somerset dominated this match, for they definitely did not. But every time Crofton and Bascome, in particular, got it right, PHC found themselves hopelessly stretched with no one to marshal the defence.

Two goals down at the half, PHC would have been justified in feeling hard done by as they had their fair share of possession and the better of the gilt-edged chances.

PHC controlled the middle stages of the half through Sheridan Ming and impressive youngster Walter Crockwell in midfield. And Ming should have done better in the 18th minute after he started a move that also involved Raynel Lightbourne. But the veteran mishit his shot from the top of the area and the chance was gone.

Two minutes later, Winston Trott was in a better position after a Somerset defensive blunder. New signing Dennis Robinson provided the crucial touch and Trott was on his way one on one with Andre Hendrickson in the Somerset goal.

But instead of picking his spot, the diminutive forward tried to dribble by and was forced too wide.

Somerset's period of sleep-walking was now over and Duval Binns and Simmons, one of the many on the pitch who played Bantam Division soccer last season, stamped their authority on the proceedings.

A Simmons left-foot drive was saved by Robinson in the 28th minute, then Crofton shot just over after Tucker again found himself in the attacking third.

Somerset went against the run of the play but the fluidity of the passing proved how simple it was to break down PHC.

Tucker played a ball down the left flank for Bascome to chase, the forward looked up and slid in a cross which Crofton got on the end of, after fighting off the bigger Smith, and fired in a low drive that a diving Robinson's left hand touched but could not keep out.

A minute later Bascome was in position to play provider to Crofton again and this time a pass was more obvious. Instead, he chose to go it alone and was turned back.

But the senior player up front for Somerset learned from that oversight with a minute remaining in the half and initiated the move that brought Simmons' goal. Bascome chased down a pass on the right, cut inside left-back Corey Dowling and centred for Crofton who instinctively flicked the ball onward for Simmons to take in stride.

Somerset were clearly the better side after the interval as PHC faded, their energy sapped by a relentless sun.

Bascome twice missed when it seemed easier to score and substitute Curtis Grant and Crofton brought fine saves from 'keeper Jason Robinson.

But there was nothing the youngster could do about the third goal where Bascome mopped up after a rasping drive from Dion Woolridge brought a diving save, and then a rebound.

Referee Lyndon Raynor handed out a total of seven yellow cards on a day when sloppy tackling was at a premium.

PHC forward Raynel Lightbourne was fortunate not to be sent off. All it needed was for the nimble Duval Binns to fall when Lightbourne attempted an intentional trip right in front of the official for a second bookable offence.

But, like most things they tried on a truly frustrating day, even that failed for the Zebras.

PHC: J.Robinson; C.Dowling, C.Smith, M.Smith, S.Trott (D.Francis, 77 mins); K.Mills (S.Simons, 59 mins), S.Ming, W.Crockwell; W.Trott (M.Smith 60 mins), D.Robinson, R.Lightbourne.

Somerset: A.Hendrickson; J.Tucker (G.Ray 51 mins), A.Rahman, E.Dean, D.DeRoza (C.Grant, 71 mins), R.Scott; A.Burchall, K.Simmons (D.Woolridge, 57 mins), D.Binns; R.Bascome, L.Crofton.

Referee: Lyndon Raynor.

Men of the match: Jason Robinson (PHC); Lamaul Crofton (Somerset).