North Village only played in spurts but it was good enough for a deserved win over the Zebras at PHC Stadium yesterday.

Two of the goals -- from Clifford Roberts and Richard Wilson -- were well taken and the other by substitute Shawn Dill in the second half came as a result of superb play on the left from Damon Wade.

That the Red Devils could have had twice as many was not a clear sign of their dominance but more of PHC's ineffectiveness until subs Ottis Steede and Raynel Lightbourne gave them a presence on the right.

As it was, goalkeeper Jason Robinson was important for the home side, a series of brave saves early on keeping his team in the match.

But, with little or nothing to test Dwayne Adams in the Village goal, there was never a doubt where the three points were heading.

Dano Outerbridge, playing in his first match of the season, rose well at the back post in the 14th minute but Adams had the header covered.

The deadlock should have been broken after 15 minutes after a Sheldon Franks corner slipped through Robinson's hands, but Roberts shot over.

The big centre-half would make no mistake when given the opportunity with his favoured right foot in the 30th minute, though.

Kevin Grant's deep cross skimmed Wilson's head and a lurking Roberts volleyed home at the back post, the shot just scraping the upright.

Then, Robinson was at his best with a series of saves behind a shell-shocked defence. First, he did well to deny Wilson after Jennings made the running and then got down to keep out a low drive from Smith.

But just as Robinson and PHC thought they might escape the first half just one goal down, Wilson picked something out of the hat, which hitherto was full of holes.

Receiving a pass from Jennings some 30 yards out on the left, the forward turned inside Outerbridge with his first touch and curled a dynamite shot over Robinson and into the top right-hand corner.

The second half started incredibly as lacklustre Village took their time coming out of the dressing room and referee Stuart Crockwell allowed PHC to kick off the moment seven players entered the field.

Goalkeeper Adams was not one of those players, but poor PHC failed to advance the ball as far as the 18-yard box and the 'keeper, still with an equipment bag over his shoulder, received a reprieve.

This lethargy would stay with the Red Devils who, with the exception of a hard-working defence, went into cruise control.

Robinson still had to make the first save of the half, going down quickly to his right to turn Jamel Smith's shot around the post. Smith was on for an injured Wilson.

Then PHC asserted themselves with Lightbourne and Steede, in particular, playing key roles.

But it was Lightbourne who prompted a melee deep on the Village left after fouling Wayne Augustus. Players from both sides engaged in a shoving match and there was one kick fired before it was resolved. But, surprisingly, no cards were shown.

Frustration for the Zebras grew as they had nothing to show for their improvement, and on successive counter-attacks Village wasted the chance to settle the affair.

Jennings was involved in both plays, first laying the ball on for Jamel Smith who mistimed his run, and then failing to get the cross in with hungry forwards waiting.

PHC's first real chance came in the 77th minute, but Shawn Simons shot well over on the turn.

Village eased the pressure with the third goal in the 84th minute when Wade, after being released on the left by Franks, beat Trott and slipped Roderick Lewis before firing in a low cross that Dill forced over the line. The result was now put to rest but PHC's endeavour deserved something. Ming was in great position bring consolation on the stroke of full time, but his rising shot went over.

If nothing else, it forced Adams to hit the ground for the first time.

PHC: J.Robinson; C.Dowling, R.Lewis, D.Outerbridge, S.Trott; W.Crockwell, D.Rawlins, S.Ming; S.Simons, W.Trott (R.Lightbourne, 52 mins), M.Smith (O.Steede, 56 mins).

North Village: D.Adams; W.Augustus, C.Roberts, D.Bell, K.Grant; D.Wade, M.Hansey, S.Franks; R.Wilson (J.Smith, 48 mins), E.Jennings, N.Smith (S.Dill 70 mins).

Referee: Stuart Crockwell.

Men of the match: Jason Robinson (PHC); Elliott Jennings (North Village).

DAMON WADE -- laid on Village's third goal.