S.Rangers 3 Hamilton Parish 0

Southampton Rangers brought Hamilton Parish crashing back down to earth at Southampton Oval yesterday in a clash between the two sides promoted from the First Division last season.

First-half strikes from Devone Bailey, player/coach Meshach Wade and a Jamel Dill own goal saw Rangers execute a fine all-round performance and earn their first three points of the season.

"Today was a great team performance. There were no individuals out there today and for us to stay in the Premier Division that is what it's going to take, a total team effort and nothing else," said a relaxed Rangers assistant coach Nick Jones afterwards.

"I think Rohaan (Simons) made a big difference up front and gave us more options in attack. The guys went out there with more confidence and they knew that they needed the three points. This is an eight-team league and you can't be looking up from down below because the longer you sit down there the worse it gets. So you have to collect the points early."

During a pulsating opening half, Rangers, sporting a few new faces in the line-up, wasted little time taking the match to their opponents.

With striker Rohaan Simons proving to be menace with his electrifying pace on either flank and midfielders Travis Smith, Shawn Simons and Otis Steede stamping their authority in the centre of the pitch, it wasn't surprising to see Rangers take an early lead.

Rohaan Simons, returning the club after a brief stint with Somerset Trojans, broke free on the right side of a Parish defence, who failed to find an answer to his sheer pace, and provided a perfect cross for Bailey to easily score from four yards.

Simons almost added his name to the scoresheet moments later but his spectacular scissor-kick soared over the bar from eight yards out.

Maintaining a clear edge over their opponents in every area of the game, Rangers constantly kept Parish on the run with their all-out assault on goal.

The Blues had plenty of chances to increase their lead but Herbie Dillas and Shawn Simons saw their efforts either saved by Parish `keeper Nigel Burgess or soar over the top.

But there would be denying Rangers midway through the half when Rohaan Simons again left his marker in his wake and supplied an accurate cross which was met at the back post by the head of Dillas before Dill sliced the ball into his own net.

Player/coach Wade then led by example to notch his adopted club's third and final goal three minutes before the half with a clinically taken header at the back post from a Steede corner kick.

In what ultimately proved to be Parish's best chance of the match, veteran forward Neil (Diamond) Robinson had a blast from 20 yards tipped against the woodwork by Dwayne (Streaker) Adams, who for the most part enjoyed a quiet day between the sticks.

In an effort to jump start things up front, Hot Peppers made a double substitution early in the second half, inserting Irving Burgess and former Wolves player Vince Minors into their attack.

And immediately the pair seemed to bring a sense of urgency up front. First Adams was forced to bravely collect the ball off Robinson's feet before brilliantly diving full length to punch away Yusaff Pitt's ferocious goal-bound drive from just outside the 18-yard box.

Those gathered at the Oval then held their heads in total disbelief as Rohaan Simons was clearly shoved to the ground inside the penalty box and referee Anthony Mouchette waved play on.

Wade then watched as his firm long range drive found the side netting while Burgess bravely vacated his line to deny an onrushing Steede from 12 yards.

Southampton: D.Adams, O.Hart, O.Steede, S.Simons, T.Smith (J.Caisey, 79 mins), M.Wade, H.Dillas, R.Simmons, R.Simons, D.Bailey (K.Tucker, 74 mins), K.Tucker (G.Steede, 85 mins).

Hamilton Parish: N.Burgess, A.Simmons, C.Woods, A.Baker, J.Dill, D.Crockwell, L.Raynor, N.Robinson, C.Hill (I.Burgess, 55 mins), L.Simmons (V.Minors, 55 mins), Y.Pitt (C.Caisey, 63 mins).

Booked: R.Simons (Southampton); D.Crockwell (Parish)

Men of the match: R.Simons (Southampton); L.Raynor (Parish).

Referee: Anthony Mouchette.