that already-relegated St. David's have given them an unexpected lifeline.

Had St. David's not clinched their first win of the season on Sunday against Somerset, Rangers would have been confirmed for the drop after losing against North Village.

Now Rangers can still stay up on goal difference, and the stage will be set for a thrilling finish to the season if they beat St. David's comfortably in their next match and Somerset go down to title-chasing PHC.

That would put it all on the line in the final match of the season between Rangers and the Trojans.

However, still very much in the fight for survival are Boulevard, who also have to win their last two matches against top three teams Dandy Town and North Village. Boulevard have the worst goal difference of all the teams still in the relegation fight, so they have to finish a point ahead of one of their rivals.

"Boulevard are not a concern right now,'' Rangers coach Earl Basden stressed.

He accepted his focus had to be on Somerset, but that until they meet next month they would have to rely on somebody else to help them.

"Boulevard have to get six points from their last two games, so my concern is not them. My concern is the fourth from bottom team and we still have to play that team.'' It is the team at the top of the standings who can help Rangers' cause by beating Somerset who could still end up paying dearly for failing to beat St.

David's.

"I look at it like this, PHC are still trying to win the league and have to win to keep ahead of Village,'' said Basden. "They can't afford to slip up.

I'm hoping that PHC do what they have to do and beat Somerset, but I know Somerset are not going to be pushovers because they have to get at least a point which should make them safe.'' After Sunday's win, St. David's will be pumped up at the prospect of acting as spoilers again. Their first victory of the season was a long time in coming, having previously picked up just one point from their first 15 games.

"I'm not underestimating St. David's because they did get their first victory,'' Basden stated. "Our job is to do what we have to do. We just need a good result and three points.

"I'm not going down to St. David's anticipating a blowout. They are coming off an emotional high and have been looking to beat somebody all season.

Possibly they can win again, I just hope it's not against us.'' Rangers will be without one of their better players, Jason Raynor, for the St.

David's match after he was sent off at Bernard Park, but there is the possibility the club could bring back Ascento Russell and Rohaan Simons from school for the crucial matches.

"Village got the better of us with Jason getting sent off in the first half, and that made a big difference,'' Basden conceded.

"We were two goals down at the time but it was a five minute mental lapse that allowed Village to get two goals. In the second half with 10 men we basically frustrated them. Had we taken one of the many chances that we had, we would have made a game out of it.'' Added Basden: "I just want the Rangers players and spectators to know that there are still two games to go and if the chips fall in our favour then there is a chance. If not there is another year and we'll be back.'' The Zebras came back stronger after relegation two years ago and are still favourites to win the league in their first year back. But two dropped points on Sunday leaves them with just a two-point lead over Village.

The title should go to one of those two teams but Dandy Town are lurking just four points behind and waiting to pounce should the Zebras fail to win one of their last two games.

PHC play Wolves in their last match of the season on April 9 while Town have to play Boulevard and Devonshire Colts and Village face a tough match against Vasco in their next outing.