Somerset Eagles really have to thank Southampton Rangers for their berth in the Martonmere Cup semi-finals.

The latter squandered myriad chances for victory last night at Devonshire Rec. and ultimately saw their hopes of advancing evaporate in a tension-filled 1-1 draw, with Eagles moving into the final four courtesy of goals scored.

However, it may not be smooth sailing for Eagles as fourth official Tracy Adams noticed there was no registration card for substitute Darnell Pickney who replaced Ryan Simmons at the half. Adams indicated he would be reporting this to the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) and there was speculation whether the missing card would disqualify Eagles from the competition.

Oblivious to this off-field development, the Eagles, though, seemed to fancy self-destruction as, time and again, they left gaping holes in their defence for Rangers to exploit.

Yet, for all their ability to get forward, Rangers only found the required finishing once as Travis Wilkinson put them ahead in the 35th minute. He calmly controlled an aerial ball on the edge of the area, eluded a defender and side-footed the ball past Kevin Butterfield?s left hand.

Rangers? euphoria was short-lived. On the stroke of half time, Eagles marksman Rodre (Piper) Wilson equalised with a stunning strike that brought spectators to their feet. He combined with the ever-troublesome Lamaul (Smucky) Crofton for a beautiful build-up on the right wing and was then left with the honour of completing their mission.

Determinedly, he danced between defenders and, with the entire goal at his disposal, unleashed a left-foot thunderbolt that would certainly have taken Dwayne (Streaker) Adams with it had the Rangers keeper sought to save.

Clearly floored by having surrendered the upper hand at the break, Rangers started the second half somewhat flat but they were still getting their chances ? and great ones too.

In one comical scenario, Desmond Burgess ? the backbone of Eagles defence ? missed a kick to clear the ball at the goalmouth and Rangers? Janeiro Tucker, only needing to tap in the ball, then mis-kicked it on to the keeper?s legs from where it ricocheted to safety.

It proved a nightmarish evening for Tucker who managed a wry smile as he pondered why he could not deliver despite having the best opportunities for the home team. His team-mate, Shawn Simons, would also have rued his luck as he had some good strikes narrowly miss their target; one from 30 yards rebounded off the right post.

Burgess and Marco Butterfield were resolute in Eagles defence, particularly in the last half-hour when the vertically-challenged Marcel Dill had to replace injured goalie Kevin Butterfield and needed all the help he could get.

Up front, only Crofton really threatened for Eagles but he lacked assistance at vital junctures as his usual strike partner, Adolphus Lambert, was absent from the line-up and no-one filled the void adequately.D.Adams, P.Brangman, N.Grant, K.Tucker, C.Darrell (R.Lowe, 58 mins), S.Simons, E.Bean (K.Simmons, 36 mins), J.Dill, T.Wilkinson, J.Tucker, H.Dillas (T.Flood, 75 mins). K.Butterfield (R.Simmons, 55 mins), J.Tucker, Ryan Simmons (D.Pickney, 45 mins), T.Smith, M.Dill, I.Raynor, M.Butterfield, D.Burgess, S.Simmons, L.Crofton, R.Wilson. D.Pickney (Somerset). S.Simons (Southampton); D.Burgess, M.Butterfield (Somerset). G.O?Brien.