Ireland Rangers never got close to getting the draw that would take them into the Premier Division for the first time in their short history as Cougars clinched the lone promotion spot at Malabar Field yesterday.

Cougars, who lost top spot in the First Division to Rangers in midweek, reclaimed it with a determined performance that confirmed them as the divisional champions.

The fact that Rangers only needed a draw may have worked against them as they did not match Cougars' aggression and determination as the visitors forced them on the defensive from the outset, early two quick corners.

The game was only five minutes old when Cougars took the lead, the goal coming as a result of sheer persistence by Mark Smith on the left. He knocked the ball around fullback Frank Smith before sprinting to the touchline and crossing for Devon Brangman to drive in a low shot at the far post.

That early goal eased the pressure on Cougars, but they certainly did not take their foot off the throttle as they kept battling in hopes of adding to their lead. Ireland Rangers' best two chances in the first half went to Duane DeRoza as they settled down midway through the half and began to match their opponents.

DeRoza's long range shot brought off a good save by the diving Ricardo Brangman in the 20th minute. At the other end Wali Salaam went close with a header before Mark Smith's left-footed shot was saved by the Rangers 'keeper Ricardo Tucker to his right.

Cougars had a scare on the half hour when Brangman was blown down for too many steps on the left side of his box. From that free-kick the ball was squared to DeRoza whose shot hit the underside of the crossbar. Seven minutes later Cougars cushioned their lead when Salaam and Philip Clarke combined from a throw-in and Salaam passed to Clarke on the edge of the box for the striker to roll a left-footed shot inside the far post.

Ireland Rangers were hurt even further in the 44th minute when teenager Trevor Corday, still angry at not having been awarded a free-kick moments early from a challenge, was sent off for using foul language to referee Irven Simmons.

And though Rangers had a fair share of the play in the second half, they couldn't find a way through a tough Cougars defence. Clarke wasted a good chance to make it 3-0 after Mark Smith put him clear.

The Rangers 'keeper also made an important one-on-one challenge on the runaway Kyjuan Saltus.