Wolves 2 A cracking goal by centre-back Leonard Hypolite from 24 yards and a tap-in by veteran midfielder Dion Wainwright from close range dashed Rangers' hopes of winning this First Division game at Southampton Oval yesterday.

These first-half strikes were sufficient for Wolves to chalk up a deserved victory against opponents whose attack seldom looked capable of breaching a defence marshalled by Hypolite and Anthony Thomas.

Hypolite's goal was a beauty. After 22 minutes, he collected the ball midway inside Southampton's half, advanced a few yards and then glanced up to see goalkeeper Randy Darrell off his line before chipping over the outstretched hands of the stranded 'keeper.

Four minutes later Wolves struck again before the home side had recovered from the setback.

Nakia Smith, who was involved in the build-up with Hypolite that led to the first goal, also had a hand in the second.

A corner by Nirobi Smith saw Ellington Weldon and Nakia Smith combine before Wainwright applied the finishing touch from just a few feet.

After 33 minutes Donnie Charles came close to scoring for Rangers -- but his shot crashed back off the bar.

Wolves finished off the half strong as Wainwright put a header inches wide of the post and Nirobi Smith watched in frustration as his fierce 23-yard drive was sensationally tipped wide by goalkeeper Darrell diving full length to his right.

Play however deteriorated after the interval with Wolves still holding a decisive edge.

Southampton: R.Darrell; D.Vickers, P.Brangman, R.Belboda, N.Grant; O.Riley (J.Dill, 76 mins), J.Raynor, D.Charles; C.Darrell, S.Ming, T.Wilkinson (N.Smith, 76 mins) Wolves: H.Brown; T.Davis, L.Hypolite, A.Thomas, T.Trott; J.Eve (P.Sampson, 70 mins), J.Peniston, Nir.Smith (S.Berkeley, 70 mins), D.Wainiwright (R.Nesbitt, 80 mins); Nak.Smith, E.Weldon Referee: Leroy Wilson Men of the match: Pernell Brangman (Southampton); Nakia Smith (Wolves) More soccer Page 27