Southampton Rangers' derby win over PHC has given the team the belief they can avoid a relegation scrap this season, acting coach Gerri Saltus said yesterday.

Rangers 1-0 win over Zebras at Southampton Oval on Sunday has lifted them to eighth in the Premier Division and six points clear of the drop zone.

Saltus, who is standing in as coach in the absence of Albert Smith who is recovering from surgery, praised new signing Keith Jennings and goalkeeper Jason Smith for their match-winning performances against title chasers PHC.

Former Bermuda international Jennings scored on his first game for Rangers since joining the club from North Village.

"It was a great win for us," said Saltus. "That win was extremely important for our season and our fans.

"My hat goes off to our goalkeeper Jason Smith for keeping us in the game. This win has thrown us back into the fight. We always knew that the derby was not going to be pretty but we weathered the storm and took our chance.

"Keith was very influential to the squad. At half time he told the team that we must be patient and when our chance comes we must take it.

"The chance fell to him and he showed his quality with an excellent finish.

"The players are very excited and morale is high. We know that we must build on this.

"We have another tough match this weekend and our preparation will be vital."

Rangers have another tough fixture this Sunday when they take on Boulevard Blazers at Southampton Oval.

Blazers, now coached by Michael Parsons, will be looking to return to winning ways after their disappointing 5-3 against Dandy Town at BAA Field last weekend.

"We are going to get better," said Parsons. "I can guarantee that."