A penalty converted by centre-back Kentoine Jennings two minutes from the end saved champions Vasco from an embarrassing First Division defeat against Rangers at Southampton Oval yesterday.

Just when it looked as though Oscar Riley's goal after 74 minutes would be sufficient to floor Vasco, the tide turned and the visitors were able to walk away with a share of the points -- their second straight draw in the league.

Hard-working Southampton centre-back Pernell Brangman ran into difficulty as he attempted to clear and the ball bounced up and touched him on the hand.

Referee Calvin Simons wasted no time in awarding a penalty.

Goalkeeper Randy Darrell partially stopped Jennings' spot-kick but it rolled over the line.

Earlier young substitute Travis Wilkinson brought what was an otherwise mediocre game alive when he provided the spadework that led to the Rangers goal. The speedy forward raced down the left flank and crossed for the eager Riley to slot home from close range.

The goal jolted their opponents who had played as though Southampton were incapable of taking the lead.

Southampton did cause Vasco concern early when Rohaan Simons brilliantly got around centre-back Daillo Sharrieff only to send a fierce shot right at goalkeeper Timmy Figureido. Vasco responded with Keith Jennings firing a shot from 16 yards at goalkeeper Darrell.

Vasco missed an opportunity on the stroke of half-time when Dennis Robinson directed his angled shot from 15 yards right at Darrell.

Sinclair Gibbons and substitute Tafari Outerbridge both put shots wide from angles on the right after five minutes of the re-start as Vasco showed early signs of lifting the tempo.

But they failed to build on that and only woke up again when substitute Clay Smith went close with a 16-yard drive that whistled inches over the bar.

However, before Vasco could do any damage Wilkinson and Riley combined to find the mark for the home side.

That stunned Vasco and their resulting urgency kept Southampton pinned down until the pressure paid off.

Southampton: R.Darrell; A.Tucker, P.Brangman, R.Belboda, S.Simmons; E.Pitt (N.Burrows, 6 mins), S.Ming, O.Riley (N.Grant, 77 mins); B.Harris (T.Wilkinson, 52 mins), D.Tucker, R.Simons.

Vasco: T.Figureido; W.Augustus, D.Sharrieff (T.Dickinson, 81 mins), Kev.

Jennings, E.Richardson; Kei.Jennings (T.Outerbridge, 62 mins), O.Steede, R.Lightbourne (C.Smith, 68 mins); A.Russell, D.Robinson, S.Gibbons.

Referee: Calvin Simons.

Men of the match: Shawn Simmons (Rangers); Kentoine Jennings (Vasco).