As one of the top goalscorers in the Coca Cola First Division, Ascento Russell knows a thing or two about the importance of capitalising on opportunities.

Yesterday he showed PHC just how important. Caught in a Zebra stampede much of the game, Rangers rallied on a 69th minute goal by Russell which gave them a 1-0 victory -- and first place in the standings ahead of PHC.

But the perch on top of the table could be shortlived.

Unconfirmed reports last night had the BFA reversing an earlier ruling that wiped out PHC's October 8 victory over St. George's. The game was originally annulled and the points for the win taken away after it was discovered the Zebras used four substitutes.

Confirmation is expected today that the BFA have decided to return the three points, which would put PHC atop the league.

That will be some consolation for the fact they should have had a victory at Southampont Oval yesterday. But poor finishing and horrid luck kept Rangers in the match, despite the hosts missing a penalty a minute before half-time.

Referee Gary Cook had no choice but award the spot kick after Rohan Simons was brought down just inside the box. Russell sent 'keeper Jay Smith the wrong way but shot wide of the right post -- a fitting end to a sloppy first half in which PHC couldn't score and Southampton looked like they didn't want to.

But Russell wasn't about to miss twice. Left alone for one of the few times in the match, he knocked down a Pernell Brangman ball with his right foot then stroked a 15-yard shot into the right corner with his left.

"I've been playing this game for a long time and I've learned you just keep your head and wait for the chances to come,'' said Russell.

PHC had about five chances in the first 40 minutes, two each by Michael Trott -- including a diving header right at Rangers 'keeper Randy Darrell in the 20th minute -- and Shawn Simons. Inbetween, Brian Anderson rocketed a 25-yard effort off the crossbar.

In the second half, Trott passed to a charging Trevor Hunt, who missed the net, and three minutes later, substitute Quincy Hunt just failed to convert a similar cross by Simons.

On Rangers' next move upfield, Russell showed how it should be done.

Southampton: R.Darrell, J.Raynor, E.Brangman, Ryan Belboda, P.Brangman, K.Tucker, W.Burgess (N.Burrows 80 mins), A.Wolffe, R.Simons, A.Russell.

PHC: J.Smith, E.Hunt, C.Dowling, D.Outerbridge, D.Burgess, B.Anderson, O.Steede, M.Williams (A.Simons 71 mins), S.Simons, W.Trott (Q.Hunt 59 mins, M.Wade 86 mins), M.Trott.

Men of the match: Southampton -- A.Russell; PHC -- M.Trott Referee: Gary Cook