Somerset Trojans 1

Southampton Rangers 2

Cricketers Malachi Jones and Kwame Tucker proved they can play more than one sport as both got their names on the scoresheet to send Southampton Rangers through into the next round of the FA Cup at Somerset Cricket Club yesterday.

Jones struck in the 51st minute before substitute Tucker strolled off the bench to announce his return to domestic football with a strike of his own in the 67th to ensure safe passage for Rangers.

"As an experienced player and having played in this league for many years I knew I had to come on and give the team a lift," said Tucker.

"I wanted to bring energy because we were not looking good and I just wanted to lift the guys and it worked out.

"Malachi and I can play both sports but when the World Cup came around we had to choose, but it's nice to see him get among the goals as well.

"It feels good to be back, I enjoyed my goal, it has been a long time since I struck and against my old team it is all the better."

It was a tale of two halves with the second being far more exciting than the boredom of the first.

Neither side looked to press matters in the opening 45 minutes until Jelani Butterfield's header from a cross was calmly collected by Jason Smith in goal for Southampton. The ensuing kick from Smith found its way into the Trojans area where Thomas Brown blazed over the bar after having the ball laid off to him.

Tempers began to flare late in the half after tackles from both sides seemingly putting the game on a knife's edge, with referee George O'Brien having to stamp his authority on the match.

In first-half stoppage time Trojans goalkeeper Shaki Bean had to make a fine save after Keemo Smith attempted to lob a ball backpost for an onrushing Rohan Simons.

After the break Jones turned the fortunes of the visitors when he was on hand to tap in a rebound after Bean couldn't hold Smith's initial effort.

The hosts then thought they had snatched an equaliser when Butterfield roofed home his effort from close range. However, the linesman had her flag up for offside, leaving incensed Trojans protesting the decision.

To compound their misery, striker Adrian Burrows had a chance to level matters moments later but too many touches saw Smith smother the effort.

It was then the introduction of Tucker that stole the limelight as he jumped off the bench in the 64th to make his presence felt immediately.

Having not been on the pitch for more than three minutes, Tucker was the recipient of square ball from Simons and slotted his effort underneath an onrushing Bean.

But a needless handball in the box by Jahma Charles only minutes after going two-up gave Somerset a penalty.

Vashun Blanchette exemplified the bad luck his side had endured by watching Smith save his spot-kick.

It was all hands to the pump for Rangers as Trojans looked to get something out of the match after Smith was sent off for his second bookable offence.

Tahj Wade pulled a goal back to make it 2-1, but the nine-time champions could only blame themselves and look back at their missed opportunities.

Although it was a back to the wall job for the winners in the end, Tucker praised the spirit and consistency the side now have.

"We had a bit of a slow start but we have had a nice turnaround and we want to continue it for the next few games at least.

"We have a few injuries resulting in some players not playing at the moment but we will be okay and when they come back we will be even stronger."

Southampton Rangers: J.Smith, J.Charles, M.Williams, K.Tucker, O.Hart, T.Brown, A.Raynor, M.Jones (Iris, 54 mins), K.Smith, R.Simons, T.Flood (K.Tucker, 64 mins).

Subs not used: J.Smith, G.Simons.

Yellow cards: K.Smith, A.Raynor, R.Simons, J.Charles.

Red card: K. Smith.

Somerset Trojans: S.Bean, J.Rogers (J.Scott, 58 mins), J.Tucker, D.Minors, D.Burgess, J.Butterfield, K.Showers, V. Blanchette (D. Outerbridge, 85 mins), A.Burrows, Z.Iris, T.Wade.

Subs not used: M. Thomas, A. Butterfield, J. Simmons, D. Simmons

Yellow card: Z. Iris

Referee: G.O'Brien

Man of the Match: J.Smith (Rangers)

X'Roads 6 Prospect 2

Gernell Darrell's hat-trick guided X'Roads to this drubbing of Prospect at Garrison Field.

Darrell opened the scoring for the hosts and completed his hat-trick early in the second half to lead the rout.

Ricco Beek, Daniel Baker and Ricky Saltus also found the target.

Prospect's goals came from Max Hull and Keiron Bennett, who both came on in the second half.

Young Men's Social Club 6 Paget 1

Kenneth Butterfield snatched a hat-trick as Young Men's Social Club thumped Paget at Bernard Park.

Michael Smith gave the hosts the lead before Andre Bean levelled in the opening half.

That would be as close as Paget got as Butterfield scored his first before Gary Augustus made it 3-1

Butterfield then scored his second and third goals before Augustus netted his second to end the match 6 -1.

More Cup coverage

see Page 27