SOUTHAMPTON Rangers claimed the distinction of becoming the first team to reach the final round of the initial BFA Knock-out Cup competition when they defeated Sandys Boat Club 4-3 on 26 February 1956.

Played at the BAA field, this semi-final game was described by The Royal Gazette (27 February 1956) as "a thrilling one from start to finish" with Southampton deserving winners "by dint of some good football, excellent spirit and fine physical conditioning".

In the first half, Sandys had the advantage of a strong wind and, following early end-to-end exchanges, took the lead after 11 minutes. Freddie Wall was put through the middle and scored off a rebound after his first shot struck the upright. Within a further 18 minutes, however, Southampton had equalised via "George Ray who rendered invaluable service to the Rangers throughout the match ?in a sudden, sharp attack Ray let drive with a grounder that beat goalie Renaud all ends up".

Both defences were under pressure for the remainder of the half, with Redding and Ray Madeiros exceptional for Sandys and W. Easton and G. Ingham outstanding for the Rangers. Then, and just before the interval, an accurate cross from Don Mason ? enjoying "an excellent game on the right wing, when he was not being crashed to the ground" ? found Campbell whose shot put Sandys ahead 2-1.

At the start of the second half, and with the wind now in their favour, Southampton "went out after goals and left-winger Roddy Simons curled a hot one in from the left wing that shattered against the upright". Just a few moments later, though, Rangers were level thanks to Eldon Raynor's "lob from mid-field that twisted and turned in the wind. It came down like a bullet, eluded the frantic grasps of Renaud to dip under the bar and into the net".

"Sandys stormed back looking for the leading goal", with Flood and Wall prominent, the latter once more hitting a post with the goalkeeper beaten. "Finally after 22 minutes of the second half, Sandys went one-up for the third time. A corner was forced by Mason who took the kick. Campbell made full use of it, heading in what appeared to be the winning goal".

But this was not to be. Five minutes on and Southampton won a corner. "It was taken by left-winger Simons and from out of nowhere up rose Ray and headed the ball down past Renaud for the equaliser". Shortly afterwards, Southampton earned another corner ? "taken again by Simons, this time the ball was kept about shoulder-high. Again, out of a solid mass of players, Ray's head materialized and the ball sped past Renaud for the winner" (the above synopsis based on The Royal Gazette account of 27 February 1956).

The Bermuda Recorder's column on 29 February 1956 was somewhat more prosaic. Reporting a half-time score of 2-1 for Sandys but an eventual win for Southampton at 4-3, it also noted that towards the end of the match "Ray headed two beauties, both from corner kicks". Although both newspapers rightly regaled his heading ability, they omitted to mention the fact that, having scored with a well-placed shot early in the first half, George Ray had actually completed a game-winning hat-trick! Southampton had reached the BFA Cup final, but which team would qualify to be their opponents?The second semi-final ? BAA v Key West ? was scheduled for 4 March, and the winner would complete the pairing for the final. This match will be previewed in next week's Diary.