The gap between teams at the bottom of the First Division and the top of the Second Division is not so big as unbeaten Devonshire Cougars showed yesterday at the Rec. when two goals from Wali Salaam set them up for a shock, but well-deserved, victory.

The margin of victory might have been even bigger had Salaam, himself, not missed a 21st-minute penalty.

Rangers sufferd the setback of having Shawn Simons set off seconds before half-time and then lost captain Donnie Charles to a hip injury in the second half.

The struggling First Division side saved their best for late in the match when they pulled a goal back, only to see the home team notch an insurance goal in injury time to secure a place in today's quarter-final draw.

"I wouldn't like to say how easy or hard it was, but it's something we've been working towards all season, to do well in the league and cup competitions,'' said Cougars manager Kent Henry.

"Being promoted is our main aim but we're hoping any success we have in the cup competitions will aid in our bid in the league. We were wondering how well we would fare against a First Division team. It was a good match-up and a good sign for us. It is a performance we can all be pleased about.'' Cougars' intentions were obvious right from the kick-off as they forced the game's first corner after just 30 seconds.

After twice going close with free kicks, Cougars should have broken the deadlock in the 21st minute when Salaam hit the post from the penalty spot after he had been fouled by Jamal Stephens as he dribbled into the box.

Cougars looked the better side for the majority of the first half and finally got their just reward in the 38th minute when Salaam took a cross from Stephen Coddington on the right and drove a shot from the edge of the area into the roof of the net.

Cougars went close again in the 41st and 42nd minutes through Dwayne Bean and Dapo Frederick as they sought to increase their lead.

Right on half-time, Rangers were reduced to 10 men when Shawn Simons was sent off for a foul on Coddington, his second bookable offence.

Rangers started the second half with player/coach Kenny Burt on for Brenton Harris but it was Cougars who added a second three minutes into the half when Coddington crossed from the right and Salaam drove a low shot into the far corner.

Captain Charles was taken to hospital by ambulance early in the second half with a hip injury as Rangers' troubles continued.

Things began to look up for them late in the match when they pulled a goal back in the 79th minute after Janeiro Tucker crossed for Craig Darrell to finish off a smart move.

A minute later they were denied an equaliser when Tucker put his effort against the upright following a cross from Burt.

Rangers made a late surge but it was Cougars who found the net again two minutes into injury time when Devon Brangman scored from close range.

Devonshire Cougars: L.Place; T.James, T.Smith, S.Smith, K.Hodgson; D.Russell, S.Coddington, W.Salaam (P.Mallory, 79 mins); D.Bean (T.Burgess, 61 mins), D.Frederick, D.Brangman.

Southampton: T.Jones; J.Stephens, P.Brangman, D.Charles (R.Belboda, 56 mins), J.Burgess, L.Seymour, B.Harris (K.Burt, 45 mins), J.Tucker, S.Simons, C.Darrell.

Referee: Richard Knight.

Men of the match: Stephen Coddington (Cougars); Lamar Seymour (Southampton).