Both first-placed Ireland Rangers and second-placed Devonshire Colts emerged victorious over their opponents yesterday to remain strong challengers for the First Division title along with promotion to the Premier Division.

While Colts coasted to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Social Club, top-of-the-table Ireland Rangers were stretched to the limit before escaping with a slim one-goal victory over third-placed Southampton Rangers, winning 2-1 at Southampton Oval ? a loss which prevented Southampton from making any significant move in the tables.

The Oval clash saw Henry Santucci put the visitors ahead 1-0 after 58 minutes before Jahni Bean levelled things for the host team from the penalty spot.

However with just eight minutes remaining, Lamuel Weeks came up with the winner, ending a spirited fight back by the home side.

At Bernard Park, Ryan Nesbitt was the ace for Colts as he scored twice to help brush off Social Club.

Colts, who remain five points behind leaders Ireland Rangers, also got a goal from Clevon Hill while the other tally came from an own-goal that finished off Social Club.

Middle of the table sides St. George?s and X?Roads could only manage a point apiece after their battle at Wellington Oval ? the East Enders going ahead through Allan Douglas jr only to see Devon Rodgers scoring the equaliser for X?Roads.

At White Hill, Eagles continued to inch their way from the bottom of the table with this two-goal win over visiting Wolves ? the goals coming from Darren Dowling and Anthony Webb.

Another clash featuring teams in the lower half saw Prospect and Parish battle to a draw at Police Field after Sean Dill put Parish ahead early from the penalty spot. But Prospect drew level mid-way through the second half when Jerry Laws netted.