Even the most loyal Dandy Town fan would agree that it was a fluke goal that enabled them to win this Premier Division game at Southampton Oval.

The clincher, attributed to striker Carlos Smith, came after 56 minutes when Southampton's goalkeeper Randy Darrell attempted to clear a pass back by centre-back Antwone Tucker only to have his kick strike the on-rushing Smith and sail helplessly back into goal.

It was an agonising setback for the relegation-troubled home side who had battled back to grab a sizable share of play in the first half after allowing Town to take the initiative.

Inspired by the goal, Town went on to dominate the rest of the second half and were deserved winners when it was over.

A somewhat dour first half saw Town often threatening with Smith's spirited runs causing the defence, which always seemed vulnerable, to back pedal.

In sharp contrast Southampton were largely uninspiring with forwards Janeiro and Kwame Tucker seldom getting the passes they looked for.

Darrell, in the Rangers goal, had to dive to save a header from Heys Wolfe and then Carlos Smith sent in a hard shot that went over from 18 yards.

Southampton's first effort of significance didn't come until the 32nd minute when captain Sheridan Ming's diving header from a Raynor cross was too high.

Then, just before the break, they had another close call when Pernell Brangman's clearance found Kwame Tucker who slipped through the middle only to have his shot deflected wide of the upright by goalkeeper Stefan Dupres.

Town should have gone one up seven minutes after the interval but Wolfe made a mess of a Paul Cann cross by heading wide from just a few yards out. After Town took the lead, Southampton ran out of ideas.

Further chances fell to Town shortly after their goal with Darrell diving to save a shot from Wolfe after 59 minutes and doing well to save a blast from Lionel Furbert a minute later.

Then Darrell pulled off another fine save, this time tipping a fierce 18-yarder from Furbert over goal.

Town were not finished, as after 82 minutes Reggie Tucker opened the defence with a good run but his short pass to Furbert saw the latter scoop his shot over from close in.

Four minutes later it was clear that Town were not going to get a second when substitute Darron Simons passed to Carlos Smith, who allowed Darrell to advance and dive at his feet in front of goal.

Southampton: R.Darrell; M.Raynor (Y.Bean 80 mins), P.Brangman, A.Tucker (O.Riley 63 mins), N.Grant; J.Raynor, O.Hart, S.Ming; C.Darrell, J.Tucker, K.Tucker.

Dandy Town: S.Dupres; C.Azhar, J.Marshall, W.Rudo, D.Bailey; H.Wolfe (D.Boyles 65 mins), P.Cann (D.Simons 73 mins), R.Tucker, L.Furbert; R.Beach, C.Smith (K.Martin 87 mins).

Referee: Lyndon Raynor.

Men of the match: Pernell Brangman (Rangers); Carlos Smith (Town).

Yellow cards: S.Ming, A.Tucker, J.Tucker, O.Hart (Southampton); C.Azhar, C.Smith (Town).

Unscathed: -- Lionel Furbert of Dandy Town survives a firm tackle from Kwame Tucker (on ground) of Southampton Rangers and ponders his next move during yesterday's game at Southampton Oval. Looking on are referee Lyndon Raynor and Southampton midfielder Jason Raynor.