Somerset Trojans 1 Not even the incentive of a possible berth in the Martonmere Cup next season could inject much competitive spirit into this First Division match at Southampton Oval yesterday.

Instead of being a dramatic affair with both teams attacking relentlessly in a bid to ensure themselves a place in the cup competition, the majority of the players approached the clash as if it was no more than a walk in the park.

With the visitors barely able to field 10 men for the kick-off there were early signs that the match would not live up to usual standards.

The appearance of Oranthus Turner after 18 minutes boosted Somerset to full strength, but by then they were already one down to a goal by Lamar Seymour after 12 minutes.

That came after Oscar Riley blew a chance from 12 yards with Janeiro Tucker the provider, but his resulting shot at least brought a corner as it deflected off Keenen Tucker.

Tucker took the flag kick and Seymour rose smartly to head the ball home.

The Trojans struggled to make any impression and centre-back Richard Scott cleared a ball off the Somerset line after 27 minutes.

But two minutes later Herbie Dillas blasted home a 22-yard free kick to put the home side ahead 2-0.

Somerset went close to replying four minutes before the break with their only clear chance of the half but Turner watched in disbelief as his snap shot from 14 yards smashed off the post.

But youngster Nasir Wade got on the scoresheet for the visitors two minutes after the interval when he hammered home a shot from close range.

However, it didn't herald a Somerset revival and five minutes later Oscar Riley rifled home a ball from 12 yards after a poor clearance fell to him.

Southampton: R.Darrell; N.Grant (R.Zuill, 85 mins), P.Brangman, D.Charles, J.Raynor; O.Riley, N.Smith (T.Wilkinson, 72 mins), L.Seymour; M.Hart (D.Tucker, 72 mins), H.Dillas, J.Tucker.

Somerset: K.Tucker; S.Riley, A.Rahman, R.Scott, A.Tucker; D.Rachman, K.Simmons, Nad.Wade; Nas.Wade, D.Burchall, O.Turner (M.Brangman, 65 mins) Referee: Irven Simmons.

Men of the match: Herbie Dillas (Southampton); Richard Scott (Somerset).