Cup holders Boulevard began the defence of their Martonmere Cup title at BAA Field with a victory over Southampton Rangers that booked them a semi-final spot.

After a scoreless first half in which the best chance fell to Rodney Bascome in the 15th minute which the Boulevard striker put against a post, the game burst to life early in the second half with all three goals coming in the space of 15 minutes.

The energetic Neil (Diamond) Robinson broke the deadlock 30 seconds into the second half when a quickly taken freekick on the right side by George Smith from a foul on Otis Minors saw Robinson convert a low shot.

It wasn't long after that that Rangers wiped out the lead, with Rohaan Simons scoring for them in the 53rd minute with a shot from close range after twisting inside the box and smashing a left foot shot inside Andre Hendrickson's left-hand post.

The game was wide open after that as both teams pushed for the winning goal in the final half hour. It was eventually scored by the champions on the hour when a high ball into the box was dropped by 'keeper Randy Darrell under pressure.

Andrew Bascome quickly pounced on the loose ball and fed a shot pass to Bascome inside the box to bury his shot past Darrell.

Boulevard: A.Hendrickson; G.Foggo, L.Stevens, D.Wainwright, L.Hypolite; G.Smith, N.Robinson, A.Caisey, A.Bascome (T.Outerbridge 79min), R.Bascome, O.Minors (S.Wade 75min).

Southampton: R.Darrell; J.Raynor (N.Grant 82min), S.Simmons, R.Belboda, D.Vickers, E.Pitt (W.Burgess 57min), O.Riley (C.Darrell 73min), C.Simmons, S.Ming, R.Simons, H.Dillas.

Men of match: Neil Robinson (Boulevard), Rohaan Simons (Southampton).

Referee: George O'Brien.