Stephen Astwood showed what the English First Division is missing with a terrific hat-trick which sent Rangers tumbling out of the Friendship Trophy last night.

The fans at BAA Field were treated to an exhibition of high-class finishing by the teenage PHC marksman, who won a professional contract with Preston North End in the summer, only to be denied a work permit by the British Government.

Astwood, who has struggled to find the net so far this season, broke the deadlock with a stunning goal just before half-time.

The youngster's experienced strike partner Kenny Mills cut in from the right, beat Omari Hart, and played a delightful reverse ball with the outside of his right foot.

Astwood was onto it in a flash and slipped past a defender before unleashing a ferocious right-footed drive which was still rising when it hit the left-hand corner of the net.

The same combination unlocked the Rangers defence again 12 minutes into the second half, when Mills, found in space on the right flank by Ottis Steede's pass, rolled the ball invitingly towards the penalty spot.

With his first touch, Astwood beat advancing goalkeeper Randy Darrell and with his second, slotted the ball into the empty net.

Seven minutes later, Astwood completed his sensational treble, when Steede reached the bye-line on the right wing and crossed just behind Astwood.

Ten yards from goal, the youngster swivelled in mid-air to hook a crisp volley into the corner of the net past bemused 'keeper Darrell.

With his job done, Astwood was substituted 18 minutes from the end by Zebras coach Sammy Swan.

It was a thoroughly miserable night for Rangers, the Premier Division's basement club, capped by a fourth PHC goal in the 90th minute. Damon Francis played the ball through the square Southampton defence and Steede beat the 'keeper to the ball and tucked it into the bottom corner.

As if that wasn't bad enough, Rangers' striker Rohaan Simons got himself sent off by referee George O'Brien 15 minutes from time for violent conduct after he followed through wildly on PHC 'keeper Carlyle Crockwell.

The challenge left Crockwell floored and surrounded by concerned team-mates for several minutes before he came off with blood trickling from his face, to be replaced by replacement 'keeper Dennis Joell.

Rangers had enjoyed the better of the early exchanges with Shawn Simons and Rohaan Simons both going close in the opening quarter.

But Steede hit the upright with a howitzer of a 30-yard free-kick and then the Zebras got into their stride. Astwood's spectacular opener seemed to knock the stuffing out of Rangers and the black-and-whites enjoyed complete dominance in the second half.

Social Club 1 Som. Eagles 2 A 90th-minute own goal by Social Club's James Trott gave Eagles victory in this close-fought Shield encounter at BAA Field.

Trott was under pressure as a low right-wing cross sped towards him and inadvertently deflected it into his own net.

Jelani Butterfield had put Eagles ahead in the first half, but Eric Dunkley levelled the scores with a well-taken equaliser in the 68th minute.