A fluke goal by Devon Brangman set Cougars on their way to a 3-0 victory over Southampton Rangers last night.

Brangman sent a hopeful ball over the defence from the half-way line six minutes in which Rangers 'keeper Randy Darrell should have had no problem with.

However, he was left with egg on his face when the ball bounced in front of him, evaded his desperate clutches and ended up in the back of the net.

Ironically, Rangers should have been a goal up not 60 seconds before -- Craig Darrell forcing his way through the defence before volleying the ball over the bar when he should have at least hit the target.

Cougars deserved the victory and the scoreline at Devonshire Rec. did not flatter them as they bossed the match almost from start to finish, Rangers only briefly showing they still had some fire in the bellies.

Cut adrift at the bottom of the table, bookmakers would probably have stopped taking bets on whether they will fall through the trapdoor if such practices were allowed.

For in a poor match, Rangers were by far the poorest, lacking the necessary skills in almost all departments. Only 'keeper Darrell really did himself justice. Despite the early howler he recovered to prevent several scoring opportunities for Cougars.

Hardly world-beaters themselves, at least Cougars possessed something of a threat up front.

After numerous chances went begging, they were 2-0 up after 18 minutes, William Pitt firing home through a sea of legs in the box.

Rangers came out for the second-half looking as if they wanted to make a fight of it, but it was a false dawn and even with the introduction of fresh legs from a youthful looking subs bench they were never going to turn the match around.

Shawn Smith made sure of that when he rose highest in the box to notch number three shortly before the end.

Cougars: R.Brangman; W.Salaam; M.Dill; J.Deshields; S.Smith; K.Steede; M.Smith; H.Wolfe; W.Pitt; S.Hewey (K.Richardson, 81).

Rangers: R.Darrell; S.Simmons; L.Seymour; R.Belboda; H.Dillas (S.Williams, 74); J.Raynor; S.Ming; C.Darrell; W.Raynor; K.Tucker (J.Darrell, 66); T.Smith (C.Simons, 54).

Bookings: C.Darrell (Rangers).

Men of the match: S.Smith (Cougars); J.Raynor (Rangers).

Referee: Anthony Mouchette.

Earlier in the evening Naquita Dill struck four goals as Rude Girls thrashed Little Venice 8-0.

The other scorers were Tamisha Darrell (three) and Erika Russell. Addy Bostlemann was sent off for Venice.

The Bermuda Referees Association will be holding a meeting at the Police Club on Monday night at 7.30 p.m.