Southampton Rangers were toppled from the ranks of the unbeaten last night at Devonshire Rec. when Ellington Weldon struck his second match-winning goal for new club Wolves.

Weldon, who scored the opening day winner against Somerset Trojans, netted the 55th minute clincher to open the Coca Cola title race. The victory not only enabled Wolves to move level with leaders Rangers at the top of the standings, but has also presented the chasing pack, North Village, Somerset and Devonshire Colts, with a good opportunity this weekend to either move ahead of Rangers or level on points.

Rangers came into this game without four key players, Janeiro Tucker, Rohaan Simons and Pernell Brangman and Ryan Belboda in the heart of their defence.

And though the players were missed over the course of the 90 minutes, it was Rangers who should have taken the lead in the first 90 seconds.

A freekick to the far side of the penalty area found Kwame Tucker free as he got into the area to chest the ball down. But, still in full stride, he lifted his effort over the top from just four yards with just Hewvonnie Brown to beat.

The miss would come back to haunt the league leaders as gradually Wolves found top gear and began posing some problems for the Rangers defence late in the first half.

Randy Darrell plucked the ball out of the air from a far post header from Weldon six minutes before the break before Weldon then cut a cross back into the middle where Shawn Simmons cleared before Nathan Webb could get off a shot.

Right on half-time Tucker had another good chance for Rangers at the other end. This time when he beat the advancing Brown to a through ball on the edge of the box.

But he never managed to get off a proper shot with the 'keeper out of position and exposed.

Weldon, who knows a thing or two about scoring goals, showed Tucker how to finish 10 minutes into the second half when he slipped into the box and beat Darrell with a near post blast from an angle.

With Nathan Webb working tireless up front and Nirobi Smith using his skill to good effect on the flank, Rangers were forced to play second fiddle to Wolves who were certainly not lacking in their enthusiasm department.

They continued to frustrate Rangers by keeping on the pressure and late in the match almost added to their lead. First, a cross from the right by substitute Jared Peniston rolled dangerously into the box before Oscar Riley cleared it for a corner at the far post.

Two minutes later a long range shot from Peter Sampson was tipped over the bar and from the resulting corner Donnie Charles and then Sam Tucker both headed off the line to deny Wolves a second goal.

Wolves: H.Brown; T.Trott, L.Hypolite, N.Smith, T.Davis, A.Thomas (J.Peniston 73min), P.Sampson, K.Smith (L.Paynter 82min), N.Smith, N.Webb, E.Weldon.

Rangers: R.Darrell; S.Tucker, D.Charles, S.Simmons, N.Grant, O.Riley, C.Darrell, S.Ming, K.Tucker (N.Burrows 73min), D.Tucker (L.Bean 66min), B.Harris (T.Wilkinson 50min).

Referee: Stuart Crockwell Men of the match: Peter Sampson (Wolves), Craig Darrell (Rangers).

In the opening match Prospect beat Wolves Girls 3-1 in a Konica Cup match to join Wolves Girls, previously unbeaten, at the top of the standings with six points.

Village could take over sole possession of first place when they host champions Vasco in tomorrow's top match.

And three other teams could move level on points with Rangers and Wolves to make things even tighter at the top.

Somerset Trojans are at home to struggling Devonshire Cougars tonight (9.00).

The opening match will be a Women's Konica Cup match between Rude Girls and BAA Royals.

Tomorrow, the other matches see Boulevard and Hamilton Parish battling for their first win of the season at St. David's while at White hill, Devonshire Colts will meet Dandy Town for the second time in four days.

No Second Division matches are scheduled this weekend.