Lowly Southampton Rangers waltzed into the Hornets' nest at St. John's field yesterday and laid the sting on previously unbeaten Dandy Town in recording their first victory of the season and third straight over the Hornets.

New signee Shawn Simons laid his Town counterparts to rest with a pair of superbly-taken headers either side of the interval and although Town dominated for vast periods, a solo strike from Pernell Douglas was all they could produce.

"This game shows that the team has the potential, but we needed a win to reinforce that,'' said Rangers coach Wendell Simmons afterward.

Still, up until Simons' tally -- and even after -- it was Town displaying why they had occupied the top spot.

Their short passing and wing play stretched Rangers' defence of Donnie Charles, Pernell Brangman, Ryan Belboda and Thomas Jones to the breaking point, but they were unable to apply the necessary finishing touches.

Wearing the goat tag was striker Carlos Smith, who squandered at least four clear-cut chances in the first half alone.

Town's first chance fell to midfielder Darren Simons after five minutes in the form of a long, looping ball into the penalty area that he lobbed over Darrell, but which also cleared the crossbar.

In the 12th minute, Paul Cann scorched a 22-yard drive that required attention from Darrell and it was clear Town meant business.

Two minutes later a block of Smith's goal-bound header resulted in a quick counter-attack that had Shawn Simons threading a ball through to Kenny Burt, but with only Cymande Davis to beat he allowed the 'keeper to get a hand to his shot and deny the effort.

Rangers made their hosts pay for their miscues on the half-hour as a bending, left-wing corner by Olin Jones was met with a glancing header by Simons, which sailed into the left corner.

The advantage was doubled four minutes following the interval when Simons again displayed his aerial prowess in nodding home a searching cross from Thomas Jones, despite pressure from Davis.

Douglas finally pulled one back for Town in the 54th minute, volleying through a maze of players. However, the visitors doggedly held out until the final whistle.

Dandy Town: C.Davis; L.Christopher, W.Campbell, T.Harvey, W.Rudo; P.Cann, P.Douglas, D.Simons (Kurt Martin, 61 mins); Kris Martin, W.Musson (C.Riley, 78 mins), C.Smith.

Southampton: R.Darrell; R.Belboda, D.Charles, P.Brangman, T.Jones; J.Raynor (J.Burgess, 29 mins), O.Jones, G.Steede; S.Simons, O.Hart (B.Harris, 74), K.Burt.

Referee: Rex Osborne.

Men of the match: Paul Cann (Dandy Town); Shawn Simons (Southampton).