First Division leaders Southampton Rangers put cellar dwellers Ireland Rangers to the sword at Southampton Oval yesterday to remain firmly on course for promotion.

The home side prevailed 8-0 to extend their lead to five points over idle second placed Somerset Eagles who had a bye.

Jarazhino Bassett, Donte Brangman, Quadir Maynard and Ezekiel Stoneham each netted braces to lead the charge while Jahkai Hill also got his name on the scoresheet.

The visiting side ended the match with nine men after having two players sent off late in the second half for dissent.

Elsewhere yesterday, St George’s cruised to a comfortable 4-1 win over lowly Flanagan’s Onions at Wellington Oval to remain in fourth, a point ahead of fifth placed St David’s who beat Young Men’s Social Club 3-1 at Lords.

In the two First Division matches played on Saturday, Devonshire Colts thrashed bottom team Vasco 6-2 at Bernard Park while third placed Hamilton Parish’s promotion hopes suffered a setback after they lost 3-0 at home to Wolves at Wellington Oval.