Southampton Rangers 2

Somerset Eagles 1

Southampton Rangers skipper Kemon Simons was pleased with his sides performance in their 2-1 win over Somerset Eagles at Somerset Cricket Club.

Dennis Russell scored what proved to be the winner in the 37th minute to grab all three points for Rangers, who we put ahead early on through Jermaine Dill before Daniel Andrade levelled for Eagles.

"It was a good victory in a hard fought game, both teams wanted it more than the other and we are pleased that we are the ones who got the points given the situation both of us are in,"said Simons. "After last week we came with a positive attitude into this match as well as a positive mind set, because we wanted to win. We are currently not in a position where we want to be.

"Coach has been drilling into our heads that we must improve week by week and that's what we are looking to do."

Playing in less than ideal weather, with wind swirling and a wet pitch, both teams attempted to come to grips with the elements and look for the all important first goal.

It was Rangers who got the first goal through Dill in the 21st minute when he headed home a Travis Wilkinson cross past Karl Brown in the Eagles net.

The lead was short lived, however,

as Andrade planted his effort far post from close range past Jason Smith, who had no chance.

Russell's winner came after a goal line clearance that had Marricko Iris clear a Troy Tucker shot off the line.

The all important second goal for either side was scored by the veteran Russell who muscled his shot past Brown for his sides second.

Eagles did boss most of the second half and could have pulles even on a few gilt edged chances, but none would to prove to be decisive.

Travis Wilkinson was sent off for hitting out at a player by referee Anthony Francis, but the numerical advantage didn't prove costly.

"The weather wasn't conducive for football, it was ugly at times but at the end of the day this game is all about results.

We came to get 3 points."

Southampton Rangers:J.Smith,I.Mallory,S.Perinchief,A.Raynor,K.Simons,J.Charles(T.Brown,77),M.Williams,J.Dill,M.Iris,D.Russell(A.Burrows,84),T.Wilkinson

Yellow:M.Iris

Red:T.Wilkinson

Subs not used:J.Caisey,T.Flood,K.Symonds

Somerset Eagles:

K.Brown,J.Bather,D.Andrade,D.Dowling(A.Hunter,75),T.Fubler,A.Lambert,A.Rocker(M.Thomas,61),A.Russell,R.Deshields,S.Smith(S.Dread,75),T.Tucker

Subs not used:

J.Pearson,M.Johnson,M.Ming,J.Davis

Referee:A.Francis

Man of the Match: