Southampton Rangers 0

Devonshire Cougars 3

Super-sub Shaki Minors scored one goal and set up another to inspire Devonshire Cougars to this hard fought win against Premier Division new boys Southampton Rangers at Southampton Oval yesterday.

Minors, only seconds on the field, scored with his first touch of the ball after an attempted clearance by the Rangers defence took a deflection and bounced into his path inside the six yard box.

The towering forward then supplied the ever dangerous Raymond Beach with a pinpoint diagonal pass from 20 yards seven minutes from time, and the latter made no mistake with a firm header at the back post.

Hard working midfielder Kwame Steede had earlier forged the visitors ahead midway through the opening half.

"This is a team sport and we always come out to play together as one," said Minors afterwards, downplaying his late heroics.

"Once we unite, we will only get stronger. And today I dedicate this win to my team."

Prior to Minors' introduction, play was mostly uneventful and at times scrappy. Referee Lyndon Raynor was kept busy, having to reach into his pocket often to caution players as tempers began to flare during the latter stages of the match.

Apart from Steede's 20 yard low drive that found its mark at the back post, those gathered at the Oval had little else to cheer about in the first half, especially the home team's fans as Rangers appeared vulnerable at the back, disorganised up front and non-existent in midfield.

Cougars took the lead for good in the 25th minute when an intended pass was intercepted by Steede who let fly from just outside the 18-yard box with a shot which eluded Rangers' custodian Dwayne (Steaker) Adams, making his debut in a blue jersey.

But that strike was never going to be enough to silence a dogged Rangers side who almost drew even when player/coach Meshach Wade found an unmarked Devone Bailey eight yards out. However, the wiry player failed to capitalise. Dillas then found himself with acres of room to work with near the penalty spot but he totally mis-kicked the ball.

Those misses ultimately proved costly as Cougars, ignited by Minors' presence, sharpened their fangs and moved in for the kill.

Southampton Rangers: D.Adams, O.Hart, H.Dillas, O.Steede, S.Simons, T.Wilkinson, K.Tucker (K.Tucker, 66 mins), J.Caisey (R.Simmons, 45 mins), E.Pitt, C.Darrell (D.Bailey, 60 mins), M.Wade.

Devonshire Cougars: R.Brangman, S.Smith, O.Butterfield, J.DeShields, D.Eve, K.Steede, J.Salaam, K.Goddard, L.Tota (M.Smith, 59 mins), R.Beach, D.Coddington (S.Minors, 76 mins).

Booked: H.Dillas, S.Simons, O.Hart (Southampton); J.Salaam, K.Goddard, R.Beach (Cougars).

Men of the match: M.Wade (Southampton); S.Minors (Cougars)

Referee: Lyndon Raynor.