IF in pre-season you had predicted MR Onions would now be five points clear at the top of the Commercial League and in the FA Cup quarter-finals people would have thought you'd spent too much time in the bar of the pub which bears the team's name.

Even the players feared the worst after only coming seventh last season and losing a number of key players.

The team's amusing website had run a poll which called for manager Steve Smith to step down after a dismal record in his first two years at the helm.

But this week Smith and his team are proud men after knocking out Premiership side Southampton Rangers from the Cup.

It was no fluke ? MRs were unlucky not to win their first encounter at Rangers ? a feat made more remarkable considering it was done with Darragh O'Donoghue standing in for regular keeper Chris Hewson, despite a disastrous practice session three days earlier in his first attempt between the sticks.

Hewson was restored to the line-up on Tuesday night and performed heroics as people expected Rangers to exact revenge after being held by the lower division side.

But Onions weathered the first-half storm and were deserved victors, setting up a typically rousing evening in the Par-la-Ville Road pub.

Smith said: "We knew after the first game that they'd be taking us more seriously. They were better prepared and certainly more focused. The first half we were hanging on a bit but Hewson made some incredible saves to keep it level.

"We settled down in the second half and played some good football. When that final whistle went I couldn't believe we'd done it but credit to every single member of the team for the fight they put up.

"We now have to see who we draw out the hat. There are some very good sides in that we'd hope to avoid but we're focused on the league with the cup being a nice distraction for us."

It is exciting times for the team, who took the MR Onions moniker in 1996 after being named after various accountancy firms, although most of their players still ply that trade.

Onions avoided relegation by winning the last game of that season with a disputed goal three minutes from the end which was allowed by a team-mate who was refereeing.

And the most the side have managed since then is a couple of runners-up spots and a quarter-final appearance in 2000 against Devonshire Colts. Six players from that squad are still in the side today.

Now the team are top of the table having beaten all but one of their main competitors, including Robin Hood who have won the title for the last six years.

Smith said: "Not a lot has changed this season. We are just playing with confidence at the moment. I don't think the league has got worse. Teams go through some bad times. Look at us and Tuff Dogs this year compared to last year. Some times you get into a habit of winning and it gives everyone's game a lift."

He said midfielder Mike Neville had been a great addition.

"Our main midfielder Robbie Horne returned to the UK in September but Mike has come in and done superb. Eoghan O'Dwyer up front has been the only other regular new player. He's got us some important goals and is always full of running."

Commitment from players has been key. President Chris Fleming turned up for training the day after his wife gave birth while midfielder Gary Garnett played hours before his flight home to the UK with his pregnant wife on Saturday because both players feared for their places.

Fitness has been a big part in Onions success ? five of the squad have done marathons this season.

"We have some very fit guys," said Smith. "Mike ran the marathon Sunday morning after playing the Hood Saturday afternoon. I asked him if he was okay to start on Tuesday and he told me he was fine. He ended up being one of the best players on the park. That's how committed these lads are this season.

"We have had a few games this season in which our fitness has won us the game. We train twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I try and keep it simple and try to use the footballs as much as possible. There are a lot of lads putting in there own hard work, such as the marathon runners, so I don't have to push them too much."

The pub side are also known for their stamina in the bar, honed during all-dayers when there is a break in the league schedule.

"We are a club that welcomes anyone who wants to join. We have a Sunday team that doesn't take itself seriously and everyone gets on well. They have used more than 50 players this season.

"You can find almost every player after the game back in MRs chatting and having a drink together, which means on the field we work hard for one another because we're all good mates. No one wants to let anyone else down. We love watching football and playing football."

Despite his team's position Smith is taking nothing for granted. "There is still a long way to go in the league, nine games left. It's still open for any team in the top six. The Robin Hood showed that last season when everyone thought they'd lost it.

"Key West are our closest rivals and the only team to beat us this season. They have a large squad of very talented players. They've under-achieved in previous seasons but look a lot more focused and serious this year. That will be a very big game in a few weeks."