Coach John Tucker isn't making any predictions but as his team somewhat surprisingly snatched sole possession of first place in the First Division on Sunday, he said he believed there was still room for improvement and more consistency.

"There are so many chops and changes that are required right now,'' explained Tucker. "It's not the fault of the coaches. We happen to have been forced to operate in this fashion so far this season because of injuries and because of the unavailability of players through travelling and other commitments.'' But, despite these setbacks, Rangers have continued to post positive results with Sunday's triumph being their third in four matches, the other game having ended in a draw. And not once have they been able to field the same side in consecutive matches.

For Sunday's home game against Devonshire Colts two regulars -- right full back Shawn Simmons and midfielder Vic Ball -- both had to be replaced.

"It's been a season so far of making adjustments and making different moves,'' added Tucker. "On Sunday, we had to put Donnie Charles at right full back after the previous week he had played at centre-back when Pernell Brangman was missing. Making all of these changes could be why we are having trouble in being consistent during an entire match.'' But the coach isn't complaining. On a positive note he accepts that Southampton have depth in the squad.

And he sees his role as helping to convince players that they have the ability to be competitive against any of the so-called powers in local soccer.

"After Sunday's 2-1 victory I congratulated them on fighting back to win and told them the importance of keeping focused because the season is a long haul and we haven't even reached the half-way stage,'' said Tucker.

"If we are going to compete, we must be more consistent and play at a consistent level for the entire 90 minutes. We can't be competitive for merely one half of a game and not the other, it's the entire match that we have to show consistency.'' Against Colts, Southampton were outplayed in the opening half and it took a bold double substitution by Tucker during the interval to inject some fire into their attack.

"We had to do something and that move of bringing on Travis Wilkinson and Kwame Tucker gave us the punch we needed up front.'' While Southampton fans might be excited at their team's first place position, Tucker remains cautious. His concern at this stage is to ensure that nobody gets over confident.

And he asks that the fans don't put added pressure on the team by expecting too much.

"I hope the fans remain calm. Think positive, of course, but more importantly continue to cheer us on during good and not too good times,'' he stressed.