Somerset Eagles 1-0 Southampton Rangers

Somerset Eagles worked extremely hard to keep just their third clean sheet of the season and advance into the Shield semi-finals with victory over Southampton Rangers at White Hill Field on Saturday.

Eagles goalkeeper Yizharyah Williams made at least three reflex saves as Rangers had the best chances late in a goalless first half.

The home side suffered a setback when Nathan Rego came on to replace winger Keanu Coddington, who had to be replaced through illness with ten minutes left in the first period.

Kanhai Fray pounced on a lapse of concentration by the away side to score the only goal within two minutes of the restart. Rangers failed to adequately clear a free kick by new signing Nicholas Massa and Fray took one touch before firing a powerful shot towards goal which was too strong for Rangers keeper Chejon Berkeley to keep out.

Rego should have doubled Eagles’ advantage within five minutes of making the breakthrough. Matthew Groves played the ball through tor Rego, who raced into space but dragged his shot wide.

Rangers pushed hard in the final stages and created a few attacking moments, but Eagles’ defence stood firm amid the late pressure to reach consecutive Shield semi-finals.