A suspected broken ankle to Ryan Evans compounded Devonshire Colts' disappointment yesterday when they could only muster a 1-1 draw with Southampton Rangers.

Reinstated Rangers looked good for an opening-day victory despite having a man sent off early in the second half and it was only an inspired substitution and the boot of an opposing player that salvaged a point for Colts.

Evans was taken away by ambulance following a lengthy delay at White Hill Field after he was felled close to the touchline by Herbie Dillas in the 47th minute.

The Rangers player had already been booked for a tackle from behind in the first period and referee Anthony Mouchette had no option but to dismiss him.

Rather than the red card giving the impetus to the Colts, it was Rangers who were spurred on and they took the lead in the 49th minute when Temiko Flood finished neatly inside the area.

Despite taking the game to their opponents it took Colts until the 72nd minute to draw level.

Substitute Marvin Belboda ran with determination down the right wing, left one defender on the ground and surged past another before centering. His cross-cum-shot struck the unfortunate Jason Raynor and rolled over the goal-line.

The equaliser stirred Colts into life, but a mixture of resolute defending and wayward shooting meant they were unable to find a second goal.

Indeed if it had not been for an exceptional save from Jason Raynor's 25-yarder by Cymande Davis with the clock ticking down Colts would have had even more to be miserable about.

Colts defender Shannon Burgess said it was early days but he knew his team had to better this performance.

"In front of goal we have to be a lot better,'' he said. "We knew before the game if we put away our chances we would win -- but we just didn't do that.

"With an eight-team league it's hard to make up points. If a team gets ahead of you it's hard to make up that ground.'' Southampton's senior coach, Tyrone Williams said while happy with a draw, he felt his team could have had all three points.

"We're happy with a point, away from home, first game of the season.

Considering this is actually our first real go and Colts have been playing in the Martonmere Cup, we are happy with one point,'' he said.

"I think actually we should have walked away with three points but losing a man obviously cut our chances somewhat.'' Devonshire Colts: C.Davis; S.Burgess; D.Smith; J.Belboda; R.Evans (K. Burchall 55 mins); M.Bean; J.Samuels; H.Burrows (M.Belboda 57 mins); Q.Aberdeen; M.Gibbons (R.Saltus 64 mins); V.Ball.

Southampton Rangers: J.Williams; J.Raynor; O.Hart; P.Brangman; D.Burchall; L.Seymour (J.Thompson 80 mins); S.Simmons; T.Wilkinson (Q.Jones 68 mins); H.Dillas; T.Flood (O.Riley 64 mins); S.Simons.

Yellow cards: Wilkinson, Seymour (Southampton); Smith, J.Belboda, Burchall (Devonshire).

Red card: Dillas (Rangers).

Referee: Anthony Mouchette.

Men of the match: Flood (Southampton); Davis (Devonshire).