Ireland Rangers 1 Somerset Trojans 4

Ireland Rangers finally opened their account in top flight football.

But their lone goal wasn?t enough to prevent unbeaten Somerset Trojans from reclaiming top spot in the Premier Division.

Pegged back by a McLee Smith strike seconds into this match at Malabar, Trojans eventually regrouped before overpowering their struggling neighbours on the back of some clinical finishing around the box.

But first they had to rebound from Smith?s superb strike following an excellent build-up down the middle ? one of several on the day.

?We expected Ireland Rangers to come at us early but still did not respond,? Trojans? coach Dennis Brown told The Royal Gazette.

The goal seemed to jolt Trojans into action and midway through the opening half inspirational sweeper Sean Simmons converted from the penalty spot to draw the teams level after son of the soil Lamual Crofton had been sent tumbling in the area.

?Once we did settle down we were able to control the remainder of the match and get the job done. I was also very pleased with some of our initial approach work,? Brown added.

With half-time beckoning, Trojans took the lead for good through Damon Swan who finished off a move involving Jelani Scott, Jelani Butterfield and Rodre (Piper) Wilson.

Crofton then added his name to the scoresheet after the restart, beating Ricky Tucker with a crisp shot that gave the veteran ?keeper absolutely no chance.

?All of our goals were first class and I must give credit to my forwards for the technique around the area,? Brown added.

With victory all but assured, Stephen Astwood then netted his fourth goal of the season and first since early September to catapult Trojans atop the pile.

To add insult to injury, Rangers were reduced to nine men after second-half substitute Regino Gomes and Jensen Rogers were sent packing for committing second bookable offences.

?It?s good to be where we are at this stage of the season as opposed to last season,? Brown noted. ?This is definitely an improvement on last year.?