Southampton Rangers 1 Prospect 1 (aet)

Southampton Rangers and Prospect will have to rethink their game plan after battling for 120 minutes in this lacklustre 1-1 stalemate during yesterday's all-First Division FA Cup quarter-final at Southampton Oval.

After 90 minutes of unimaginative soccer, the sparse crowd on hand finally had reason to cheer mid-way through the second period of extra-time. However, it wasn't the home side's fans celebrating as Clifford Roberts curled in a 25-yard free kick at the far post to leave Rangers keeper Gerald Simons completely stranded.

But any thoughts Prospect had of upstaging their rivals disappeared as Rangers found themselves back on even terms almost immediately following the restart.

Collecting a long through ball down the centre, Rangers' midfielder Donnie Charles did well to maintain possession amid a maze of Prospect defenders but was fouled from behind as he attempted to shoot. Referee Ralph Tumbridge had no hesitation pointing to the spot, much to the relief of the faithful Rangers following.

After several anxious moments trying to keep the ball on the spot in the blustery conditions, Herbie Dillas cannoned his effort in off the underside of the crossbar to earn his team another crack at advancing into the semi-finals for the first time since 1984 - the only season Rangers hoisted the FA Cup.

From the outset, Rangers, with Dillas, Nashon Smith and Neville Grant up front, began to probe the Prospect defence with a series of darting runs at goal.

But it still took Rangers 10 minutes to mount a serious raid on goal when skipper Meshach Wade flighted in an outswinging cross at the back post which left the Prospect defence flatfooted. However, an overly eager Smith was blown for a pushing foul on Prospect ‘keeper Kevin Bean.

A similar scenario unfolded shortly after, again involving Smith and veteran Rangers' defender Eugene Pitt, the latter floating in another telling cross from the right. But this time Smith's final touch left much to be desired.

Prospect responded with veteran midfielder Paul Towlson offering a show from long range which did little to bother Simons.

After breaching Prospect's left side with an adventurous run, Omari Hart then sent in a delightful cross which rolled completely untouched across goal. Kamen Tucker followed up with a hook shot that soared wide as Rangers began to apply pressure.

The second-half proved to be a carbon copy of the first with the home team repeatedly failing to capitalise on some good approach work while Prospect seemed content to catch their hosts napping on the counter-attack.

During one such foray late in the second-half, Rangers breathed a sigh of relief when Prospect striker Philip Bailey squandered a breakaway and a golden chance to settle the issue. Prospect also had ‘keeper Bean to thank for keeping them in the match as the former Devonshire Colts player was called upon on several occasions to keep Rangers' forwards at bay.

Referee Tumbridge added a bit of humour to the match when he temporarily halted play for several moments to receive medical attention for an aching left shin. But in the end, it would be no laughing matter for the home team, who despite creating ample chances to walk away with the goods, were made to rely on Dillas' late heroics from the spot.

Southampton: G.Simons, M.Wade, O.Hart, E.Pitt, R.Belboda, K.Tucker, D.Charles, T.Wilkinson (D.Bailey, 105 mins), H.Dillas, N.Grant (R.Lowe, 82 mins), N.Smith (C.Darrell, 45 mins).

Prospect: K.Bean, W.Reid (C.Lopes, 82 mins), C.Roberts, Q.Francis, S.Gair, P.Towlson, N.Woods (K.Saunders, 110 mins), B.Thomas (D.Reece, 54 mins), L.Mathurin, P.Bailey, V.Ball.

Booked: O.Hart, K.Tucker, T.Wilkinson (Southampton); L.Mathurin (Prospect).

Men of the match: M.Wade (Southampton); K.Bean (Prospect).

Referee: Ralph Tumbridge.