While Somerset Eagles were lamenting being relegated to the First Division over the weekend, neighbours Ireland Rangers were busy celebrating promotion to the top flight for the first time in history.

Victory over Paget ensured Premier Division football will take place at Malabar next season and the win kept Rangers firmly on course to capture the coveted First Division league and Shield double.

The West Enders can clinch the championship with a win over Prospect at Police Field this Sunday before turning their attention to next month?s Shield final at the National Sports Centre against St.David?s.

But for the time being, Rangers players and fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief after finally gaining promotion ? a feat they have twice come agonisingly close to achieving in the past.

?I would say it was definitely a sigh of relief. The rain actually dampened the spirits really and at the end of the day they (players) aren?t going to know what hit them until we actually have the cup in our possession.

?So once we finish things off and we have a trophy to hold onto, then that?s when I think the real celebrations will hit home,? stated Rangers coach Lee Correia.

Rangers can lay their hands on the trophy by taking maximum points from Prospect. The most points second-placed Devonshire Colts can obtain is 38, a total Rangers alreadyy have, and a Rangers win this weekend should be enough to get the job done even if Prospect get awarded three additional points from an October league clash with Paget.

Prospect, who have appealed against a Bermuda Football Association ruling not to penalise Lions for fielding an ineligible player against them during the October match, still await the final outcome from a Ministry of Sports arbitration tribunal.

Paget were dumped out of the FA Cup competition and forced to forfeit league points ? but not for the clash against Prospect.

?We still don?t know what?s the latest on them (Prospect) and it would be nice for everyone to know so they would at least know where they stand in relation to that,? said Correia.

Having now joined the Island?s elite clubs, Correia has already placed emphasis on ?survival? next season in the Premier Division.

?I am under no illusions we need to bolster the ranks in certain areas,? he said. ?I think the team realises that they have a lot of maturing to do in a short period of time.

?It took them a long time to get where they are now, but it?s still another level they have to get to and they have a short time to do it.

?Unfortunately when we go up there will be a place to drop back to (First Division) and so we are going to have to set a goal with survival being the priority.?

Corriea would gladly accept any new faces at the club and hinted pre-season training could commence earlier than usual.

?If we can get through the first season, which for us will be a good achievement, then we can begin to put other objectives into place,? he said.

However, for the time being, Rangers will attempt to put the lid on what has so far been the club?s most successful season to date.

?The players might have had that weight (promotion) fall off of them,? said Correia. ?I still think that I will have to motivate the players for Sunday?s game. But I don?t think they need motivating for the cup.?