Kieshon Smith, the Somerset Trojans coach, ushered in the new year by winning his first piece of silverware as a coach in top-flight football.

The nephew of Somerset Trojans legend George Brangman guided Trojans to their record-equalling eleventh Friendship Trophy triumph after they beat perennial rivals PHC Zebras 2-1 at Somerset Cricket Club on New Year’s Day.

“Winning my first senior trophy was one of my proudest coaching moments, and to do it up there in front of the home fans made it even more special,” said Smith, who won the Friendship Trophy multiple times as a player with Devonshire Colts. “It was massive and something I will never forget.

“Winning the Friendship Trophy gives me a great sense of happiness and relief for a lot of hard work, not only for this season, but since I took up this opportunity of coaching.”

Trojans’ goals were scored by Leo Burgess, with a penalty, and Justin Donawa, one of several college students back home for the festive period in the West Enders’ squad. Rakeem DeShields, who captained Zebras, replied for the visiting side.

“It was an excellent game involving two big teams,” Smith said. “It was kind of like a Clásico with PHC and Somerset, two of the biggest trophy-winning teams in Bermuda. Not disrespecting anyone else, but they call Somerset “Silver City” for a reason.

“It was a great atmosphere and one of the biggest crowds I’ve seen. It was a nice family atmosphere and I’m sure everyone had an excellent time.”

Incidentally, Trojans won a tenth Friendship Trophy during the 2013-14 campaign at the expense of a Hamilton Parish side coached by Smith.

The former Devonshire Colts striker succeeded Danvers Seymour Jr as Trojans’ coach at the beginning of the season and is gradually settling in at the club.

“It’s been a great transition and I’m very proud to be where I am,” Smith said. “A lot of people don’t know that I’m actually from Somerset. I’m from Beacon Hill and my uncle is George Brangman.”

Smith, 41, now wants his team to build upon their recent success heading into the second half of the campaign.

“Every team goes into a season looking to win silverware and now that we have got that monkey off our back we see how far we can go,” he said. “This trophy victory gives us that much more belief in what we are doing and confidence going into the second half of the season.”