A fourth consecutive win sent Vasco back to the top of the First Division table but they were made to fight all the way by PHC in a frenetic seven-goal thriller played in a swirling wind at Somerset Cricket Club last night.

Vasco, who had only conceded one goal in three games prior to the match, raced into a three-goal lead inside 37 minutes, but were pegged back by a remarkable PHC revival as the Zebras scored twice within a minute shortly before the interval.

Dwight Basden put Vasco in front, heading home Sinclair Gibbons' 20th minute corner after they had dominated a shapeless opening.

Then PHC goalkeeper Ellsworth Bean almost single-handedly increased their advantage. First he tried to punch Ottis Steede's inswinging corner but made only passing contact as the ball continued its journey into the net.

Then, 13 minutes later, he dropped Gibbons' high, hopeful cross at the feet of Sammy Swan, who slotted home.

But just when it seemed we were in for a massacre, PHC were handed a lifeline with a controversial penalty.

There seemed little danger when Kenny Mills picked up the ball on the right near the byline, and his attempted cross appeared to strike a Vasco arm. It was more a case of ball hitting arm than vice-versa but after referee Lawrence DeShields had consulted with the linesman, a spot kick was awarded.

Captain Ricky Mallory took responsibility and left Vasco keeper Timmy Figureido, impressive all night with his handling, with no chance.

Within seconds, PHC had the ball back in the Vasco box and when it broke free from a mass of players, Kenny Mills kept his head to strike home a low left foot shot.

PHC started the second half in buoyant mood and two ferocious long-distance efforts from Mallory were blocked.

But in the 54th minute Vasco extended their lead when Steede's shot from 20 yards took a looping deflection and came down off the crossbar to Shawn Simmons who tucked it away.

Six minutes later, however, the Zebras were back in it as Stevel Mendes' slip allowed Stephen Astwood to collect just outside the area. He fed Mills, who returned the pass for Astwood to score.

Vasco: T.Figureido, D.Stapley (K.Smith 79 mins), T.Dickenson, M.Wade, K.Jennings, S.Gibbons, O.Steede, S.Mendes, S.Simmons, S.Swan, (C.Smith 73 mins), D.Basden.

PHC: E.Bean, E.Hunt, C.Dowling, S.Smith, S.Trott, R.Mallory, Q.Hunt (M.Williams 66 mins), D.Wilson, S.Astwood, K.Mills, M.Smith.

Men of the match: Vasco -- Dwight Basden; PHC -- Stephen Astwood.

Referee: L.DeShields