Dandy Town's extremely unlikely title chances at least remain mathematically possible following their two-goal victory over Southampton Rangers at St.John's Field.

Hornets remain three points adrift of tabletoppers Devonshire Cougars who enjoy a far superior goal difference with one match remaining in the Premier Division fixture calendar.

Defender Shakir Smith gave Scott Morton's side the lead midway through the first half yesterday and surprise substitute Raymond Beach then wrapped up the win with a re-taken penalty in the final minute.

Although the Premier Division trophy is now almost certain to be heading to Devonshire Rec. next weekend, Morton insisted his team would keep fighting until it was impossible to lift it.

"We still have a chance as it's not mathematically impossible just yet, so we'll just keep going," he said.

Morton sprung a few surprises in his starting line-up leaving his lethal strike pairing of top scorer Beach and Heys Wolffe on the bench, suggesting Hornets have already turned their focus on their FA Cup final clash against Boulevard.

"I felt they (Beach and Wolffe) both needed a rest as we still have some big games coming up," Morton said.

Rangers have posed some of the so-called bigger teams problems throughout their first season back in the top-flight and ensured Hornets had to work for their win. But the visitors only had themselves to blame for falling behind when they failed to clear a corner-kick with Smith hammering a shot home from just inside the box. Hornets had other opportunities to extend their lead with the lively Lashun Dill and Antwon Russell both forcing saves from Rangers goalkeeper Jason Smith.

In the final minute Omar Hart was penalised for pushing Wolffe in the back with referee Anthony Mouchette pointing to the penalty spot. Russell saw his effort foiled but the kick had to be taken again as the 'keeper had strayed off his line.

Russell stepped down from the penalty duties to make way for Beach who made no mistake with the re-take.

Dandy Town ¿ M.Crockwell, E.Signor, L.Kwonde, D.Signor, S.Smith, S.Brown, A.Russell, J.Swan, G.Butterfield (R.Beach 70), K.Davis (H-Wolffe 70), L.Dill

Subs: A.O'Brien, J.Furbert, K.Sampson

Southampton Rangers ¿ J.Smith, K.Tucker, D.Charles J.Charles, A.Rocker, O.Hart, K.Smith, T.Wilkinson (J.Caisey 85), M.Iris, J.Bean, T.Flood (M.Williams 75)

Subs: G.Simmons, A.Bean, J.Smith

Referee: A.Mouchette

Bookings: J.Bean (Rangers), O.Hart (Rangers)

Man-of-the-match: L.Dill (Hornets)