Robin Hood 2

Southampton Rangers 0

Robin Hood skipper David Wolffe hailed his side's grit and determination after Grant McKellar's opener and a wonder strike from Keith Beach gave the First Division leaders an impressive 2-0 win over Premier Division Southampton Rangers at Southampton Oval yesterday.

Hood added Rangers to their collection of big name scalps they have claimed thus far with both of their goals coming 13 minutes apart in the second half to advance to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

"It was a very competitive, well played match that was hotly contested by both sides," said Wolffe. "We were very organised and as a result of following the game plan we got the win and go into the next round."

For much of the match it was a midfield battle that seemed destined to go to extra-time with neither side creating many attacking chances for the majority of the 90 minutes.

Steven Simons caused a few problems to the Rangers back four while both Kwame Tucker and Jahnai Bean had half chances that were miscued as the first half drew to a close.

McKellar's opener brought a dull game to life after his nifty work down the left flank saw him cut in and guide his left-footed effort delicately placed into the net inside the near post, leaving Rangers goalkeeper Jason Smith staring in bewilderment at his defence.

If that wasn't enough for the Rangers fans to deal with, former MLS player Keith Beach scored from inside his own half to make it 2-0 in the 77th minute.

With Hood regaining possession in their own half, the ball found its way to Beach who, from just inside his half and some 55 yards away from goal, turned and let go a laser that sunk just under Smith's bar, leaving the 'keeper embarrassed being caught out in such fashion.

Down and out after the second goal, Rangers seemed to accept defeat and never really mounted any sustained pressure in an attempt to get back into the match, bowing out with a whimper rather than a fight.

The win caps off a memorable first half of the season for new boys Hood who are one of two First Division side left standing in the last eight of the Cup competition. Social Club beat X'Roads 2-0 yesterday.

Wolffe said afterwards he was amazed by Beach's goal and stated that the win was a great Christmas present for the players and club.

"Keith's goal was nothing short of spectacular . . . from that range it was a great effort on his part that caught the keeper off his line from 50 yards out.

"With Grant's goal, it seemed as though he got only a toe to it but a goal is a goal and that one set us up for the win.

"We have some momentum going into the second half of the season and hopefully from here we can go from strength to strength."

"We came in looking for the win, got the win and this is a great Christmas present for Robin Hood.

Southampton Rangers: J.Smith, D.Charles, K.Tucker, J.Hill, A.Raynor, J.Dill, J.Caisey (R.Simons, 31mins), K.Simmons (T.Brown, 73 mins), J.Bean (Perinchief, 64 mins), K.Tucker, M.Iris.

Subs not used: K.Symonds, J.Minors.

Yellow card: J.Hill

Robin Hood: J.Simons, T.Terceira, J.Duffy, M.Watson, D.Wolffe (L.Hypolite, 78mins), K.Robinson, S.Simons, G.Ray, G.Mckellar, D.Outerbridge, K.Beach.

Subs not used: J.Kempe, D.Lovell, J.Fubler, S.Dietz, T.Cusack

Referee: L.Raynor

Man of the Match: G.Ray (Hood).