Somerset Eagles 1 Southampton Rangers 2

Southampton Rangers capitalised on several defensive mistakes to end a disappointing season on a high with victory in their contest against another First Division-bound team, Somerset Eagles.

Neither side really took control in the first half, which was largely played out in the middle of the field. Both sides looked dangerous on the break but neither defence was seriously tested as the teams struggled to create clear opportunities.

Midway through the half Eagles created their most dangerous moment. A lovely, quick interchange between Ethan Fubler, Shakir Smith and Jensen Rogers culminated with the latter having his low effort saved by the outstretched foot of goalkeeper Sean Perinchief to keep the scores level.

Just before half-time, Rangers created their best opportunity when Marco Basden drove a good low ball into Dion Stovell, whose powerful effort was beaten away by the strong fist of Joshua Roberts before Jahkhari Hollis missed his kick from the rebound.

Within 10 minutes of the restart, Rangers took the lead against the run of play after a throw-in from the right was flicked on nicely by Hollis before Keishon Wilson skipped past his man, opened up his body and side-footed the ball into the far corner past Roberts.

Moments later, Eagles equalised through yet another fluid move, which bypassed the Rangers press and was finished off when Rogers slipped Smith into space on the right. The attacker outmuscled his defender, Kamen Tucker, and slammed his effort into the roof of the net from close range.

The visitors scored a fortuitous winner midway through the second half.

What should have been a straightforward clearance ended up being a second goal for Wilson after poor communication between Eagles center back pairing of Whakail Tucker and Kieran Evans allowed the Rangers midfielder to pounce on the loose ball and lob his shot over the onrushing Roberts.

Despite getting into quite a few dangerous positions in the final moments, Eagles failed to make the right decision in the final third and the visitors held on for the win.

“We took advantage of the situation. There was nothing to play for, so we gave some of our wider squad a chance,” said Rangers head coach Dwayne Adams.

Former Bermuda national goalkeeper encouraged the Rangers’ management to prioritise the youth programme going forward.

“We need to bring younger players through. The hierarchy must begin their work early.”

“The goal is always quick promotion after you go down. However, we have bigger plans for the future,” he said.

SCORERS

Somerset Eagles: Smith 54

Southampton Rangers: Wilson 52, 71

TEAMS

Somerset Eagles (4-2-3-1): J Roberts 5 – S Lambert 4, W Tucker 3, K Evans 3, K Astwood 4 – D Joell 5, R Saggar 4 – E Fubler 5, J Rogers 6, A Telford 5 – S Smith 5

Southampton Rangers (4-3-3): S Perinchief 5 – D Hill 5 (sub: L Scott 66min 5), K Tucker 5, R Wright 6, D Steede 5 – R Lowe 5, K Wilson 6, A Bean 5 (sub: D Woods 57 5) – M Basden 5 (sub: D Dunlop 83), D Stovell 6, J Hollis 6 (sub: W Bean 83). Substitutes not used: D Adams, D Dublin, R Lowe

Referee: K Jennings