Southampton Rangers coach Keith Jennings has called on his players to kick start their season with a win in the first round of the Friendship Cup over Somerset Eagles tonight at Somerset Cricket Club.

Rangers have had a slow start to their season, winning one of their six league matches so far, scoring only two goals while letting in 12.

Yet, Jennings believes that a win in a competition they have reached successive finals in can be just the remedy needed to get their season back on track.

"We are focused on the task at hand are just trying to shape up on a few things," said Jennings.

"We have some new players coming into the fold so we are looking to fit them in and hopefully everyone else is up for the game.

"The match is very important because it isn't like we have been playing too bad, we just haven't been able to put the ball in the back of the net and maybe if the players coming in along with the current players we should be able to get a result.

"For the moment we are seeing how things are going.

"Obviously we are focusing on the league and keeping our status and place in a respectful position but as far as the cup competitions we won our FA Cup game and we are looking to get into the finals of both cups available."

Jennings admitted that his side's main problem is taking their chances when they are presented, while their opponents are taking full advantage of opportunities to win matches.

However, if his men can take their chances and even score an early goal tonight, it will put them in a far better position than coming from behind, something that has become a far too familiar sight this season.

"When we start games we need to look to get an early goal, it seems as though we are letting the game go on without us trying to make a point early on, and if we can get the first goal it will set us up nicely for the rest of the match," said Jennings.

"The longer the games go on the other teams will get chances and the problem is with us we get the chances but don't score and the opposition are getting chances and making good with their chances.

"If we can take advantage of our chances then we will more settled and allow our defence to dictate the game."

While admitting that off-season departures have been key to the clubs early season struggles, the Rangers boss is adamant he has enough reinforcements to get the job done.

"Any players that leave any club will be a miss but we have players that can fill voids, although they aren't at the same level, but they can do the job.

"The one questions is for us is who will show up on the day and when it comes time to putting in 110%, sometimes we only put in 90%.

"If we can come and put our best foot forward then we can get some good results and I stress this to them on a regular basis that I can only give them the right information and they need to go and do the job.

"The take in instructions pretty well, the passion for the game for the game needs to be a little bit more.

Rangers will now look to make a third successive final in the Friendship Cup and Jennings reckons the side are worthy enough to vie for the title yet again, as long as the players step to the fore and prove their worth.

"Coming from North Village, a team that was always successful, and I have been to teams that have been lesser in quality but have done something, but as far as going to a team that isn't successful I don't see that here," he said.

"Anyone can go play for a team that is already winning but can you go to that team and show what you are worth.

"We have good players and I just want them to show their worth, this is a competition that we have been to the last two finals in and although we haven't won either, we can still make this year's final and prove to many that we are a good side."

Young Men's Social Club clash with Prospect in the first match of the night in the First Division Shield competition, with the match commencing at 7pm.

Southampton Rangers' game against Somerset Eagles is scheduled to kick off at 9pm.

Also on tonight is a double header at Devonshire Rec, with Devonshire Colts locking horns with St. George's Colts at 7pm, while Devonshire Cougars –welcome Boulevard to The Den at 9pm.