Who would have thought it? Less than nine months since being promoted from the Second Division, Southampton Rangers not only find themselves holding their old amongst the First Division elite, but thriving.

It certainly was not supposed to be this way. Pre-season forecasts predicted nothing less than an all out struggle just for survival, challenging for a title such as the Dudley Eve Trophy at Christmas was simply out of the question.

Yet coach Gary Darrell has his men in exactly that position, running with the `big boys' over the festive season and looking to spring another surprise or two.

Rangers earned a berth based on their 5-1-3 record for a total of 16 points, which has them ideally placed third in the league behind leaders Vasco (22 points) and North Village (21).

The sizzling Red Devils stand as Southampton's opponents tonight (BAA Field, 7.00 p.m.) in the first round of the Dudley Eve competition and would appear a tall order considering how well they have played during the last six weeks.

Winners of six in a row Village are one of, if not the, hottest sides on the Island at present and will duly enter as favourites in this match.

But do not tell Southampton's midfield maestro Olin Jones about any underdog status, as even following a 1-0 loss to PHC on Sunday he remained optimistic regarding their chances.

"I feel very confident going against Village, we're happy to have done well enough to reach this far,'' said Jones, who said that even without suspended striker Janeiro Tucker they should be considered real threats. "Janeiro has been the key up front for us, but we've done pretty good without him.

"Tillman Darrell has filled as a replacement striker and we can call capable replacements from the bench, like Alfred Wolffe and Craig Darrell, who is home from school. Overall the team has been playing pretty good since Janeiro's absence.'' Jones only returned to action over the weekend as a substitute during the PHC game after being out two weeks because of a cut knee that required eight stitches.

Southampton's meteoric rise this year has raised eyebrows and has brought back memories of Hamilton Parish, who were promoted in 1991 and enjoyed a spectacular first half.

A lightly regarded Parish were fourth at the mid-way break and placed third in the Dudley Eve Trophy, but the second half of the season proved a nightmare as they plummeted, losing six of their final seven league matches and barely avoiding relegation.

However, Jones rebuffed any notion that his might not be the "real deal'', saying that the scope among the division has changed dramatically from those times.

"No way Jose (will that happen),'' retorted Jones. "Things are different now than they were then.

"A lot of other teams were established then and it was tough for a new team like Parish to survive, but this time the other teams are rebuilding and therefore our chances of remaining competitive are quite good. We should hang in there and remain situated in the top half until the end of the season.'' Still, that may be getting too far ahead, for at hand are the Red Devils and fresh off defeats of Dandy Town, Somerset and Vasco, rate a top priority.

Tonight's second encounter sees Vasco tackling Dandy Town in an intriguing contest (9.00 p.m.).

Vasco can re-establish themselves as champions in waiting with a win against the Hornets, after enduring the lean patch the last month.

Coach John Rebello on Monday said that his team would not be making any special preparations for Town and would instead use that which has carried them to this point.

Again forward Irving Burgess is doubtful, however the tandem of Corey Hill and Dwight Basden remains one to be feared and in fact the Portuguese club have one of the more balanced sides from defence to attack.

Town have been struggling all year and will hope for the positive result that could start the ball rolling in a more positive direction.

JANEIRO TUCKER