U10s KO Cup Final Bourne Blue 1 – Deeping Blue 0

Deeping finished their final season in mini-soccer with a defeat in a tight cup final game against local rivals Bourne Blue. Having met and lost twice to the Bourne lads this season already, Deeping were keen to make it third time lucky. Unfortunately they found the Bourne defence in their usual mean mood and near impossible to break down, especially when Bourne took a 1^st half lead. Both teams understandably looked nervous early in the game, which seemed to effect the quality of the football, but it was Bourne who looked to have settled earlier then Deeping and capitalised on some indecisive defending to open the scoring and take a 1-0 lead into the break. Against most teams which Deeping have met this season, being a goal down wouldn’t be too much of a problem for the potent Deeping attack, but they all knew it would be incredibly difficult to find a second half equaliser against Bourne. Caution was thrown to the wind to find the all important Deeping goal, but to no avail, and with the Deeping team pushing forward it needed a fine performance from Deeping custodian, Callum Ward-Jones to keep his team mates in with a chance by not allowing the score against to increase. The game finished 1-0 to Bourne and completed an excellent league and cup double for them, while the Deeping lads finished the season as cup runners-up, while taking 3^rd place in the league.

Deeping coach, Dean Baxter commented “Well done to Bourne this season, they have deserved their success. My own players have been fantastic this season as well as the previous 3 seasons Ive been in charge. This was my last game as a Deeping coach and I would like to thank all the players and their parents for the terrific support Ive always received and I wish the Deeping players all the best as they join up with our Clarets players and move up to the 11 aside game. Today’s cup final was a fantastic day for the players and something Im sure they will never forget. A big thank-you to the Peterborough Junior Alliance for this superb event.”

DEEPING BLUES U10s 0 – SPALDING ATHLETIC U10s 3

Deeping finished their league season by dropping out of the top 2 places with a disappointing display against a physical Spalding side. After spending the majority of the season at the league summit, the depleted home side lacked the desire and conviction to finish off what had been a excellent league campaign. The 1^st half saw both defences on top, and the few chances created fell to the visitors. During the 2^nd half, Spalding exposed the frailties of the rearranged Deeping defence to score 3 unopposed goals.

DEEPING BLUES U10s 1 – RIPPINGALE U10s 3

Deeping Blues title hopes took a serious dent with this defeat in an enthralling top of the league clash. Both teams have met each other a number of times, always producing close, tough, exciting games. This match didnt disappoint. With a stiff breeze in their favour, the home side had the better of the 1^st half and were denied numerous times, by the goalkeeper, cross bar and brave defending, from taking an important lead. Lewis Fountain, Jack Baxter and Joshua Cameron all went close for the hosts, while the away side carved out a couple of their own chances, but the half remained goalless. The Deeping side were aware that, with the wind behind the visitors, the 2^nd half was going to be extremely tough and the whole team would need to work hard to keep Rippingale at bay.

The 2^nd half started as was expected with Rippingale playing some good passing football and exerting lots of pressure on the Deeping defence, which was slowly starting to creak. Callum Ward-Jones, the Deeping custodian, was called upon to produce a number of fine, brave saves but could do nothing to prevent the visitors 1^st goal. Connor Durrant slotted home from close range after the hosts failed to clear the ball away from their own penalty area. Rather than let their heads drop, the Deeping side were determined to get straight back to parity, which they soon did. The equaliser, was a stunner. James Morten, whom had had a superb match, reacted 1^st to a near post corner with a fantastic flying header that gave the Rippingale custodian no chance. Unfortunately for Deeping the Rippingale side were not in the mood to dwell on the equaliser and were soon looking for the lead and piling on the pressure. Their lead soon came when the ever dangerous Jon-Jo Roberts hooked a speculative shot over his shoulder and caught Deepings Ward-Jones off his goal-line. The away side added their 3^rd soon after, catching out the Deeping side with a clever through ball that Zac Munton coolley slotted home. Deeping tried hard to get back into the game but couldnt find a way past the stubborn Rippingale defence and 3-1 it finished.

After the match, Deeping coach, Dean Baxter was full of praise for both teams and commented “this was a thoroughly entertaining match between 2 good sides. Until their 2^nd goal went in, I couldnt tell who was to be victorious. I was extremely pleased with my teams performance, but, with the wind behind us in the 1^st half, we paid for not scoring from the chances we had”. After to-days result, Bourne Blues are now favourites to win the league.

Semi-Final KO Cup Oundle Juniors U10s 3 – Deeping Rangers Blue U10s 4

Deeping produced a battling performance away at Oundle, to come back from behind on three occasions for a place in the final of the KO Cup. This was the 1^st time that Deeping Blues had met their hosts in all competitions but were aware that Oundle were a huge threat and more than capable of halting Deepings progression to the Final. This looked like ringing true when Oundle took a quick 1-0 lead from their 1^st attack. If the Deeping players felt that they only needed to turn up to win, this goal was their wake up call. The away side started to put some good attacks together with Jack Baxter looking dangerous down the wings and it was from one of these attacks that the Deeping equaliser came. Baxter produced a powerful run past the Oundle defence and his low cross could only be parried out by the home side custodian into the path of Joshua Cameron, who made no mistake with his finish. Against the run of play Oundle went 2-1 up when a soft free-kick, just outside the Deeping area was powerfully driven into the roof of the net. This lead didn’t last long. With Deeping starting to find their “A” game, the equaliser just before the break was thoroughly deserved. Baxter hit a beauty of a strike into the top corner after again tormenting the Oundle defence with his pace and power. The 1^st half finished 2-2 and Deeping were the team in the ascendancy.

The Deeping team went into the 2^nd half with a great deal of confidence but that confidence was struck a blow when an unfortunate communication mix-up between a Deeping defender and custodian allowed the Oundle striker to nip in and score a soft goal and 3-2 to the hosts. To their credit, the away side never allowed their heads to drop and certainly had the belief that this wasn’t game over. A Deeping corner was half cleared by Oundle and the follow-up was dispatched into the net powerfully and perfectly by Deeping defender, Zachary Allen, to make the game 3-3. Both sides were looking for the winner and chances came and went, with Deeping strikers, Baxter, Fountain and Cameron all coming close to scoring. With only a few minutes left to go a Deeping substitution saw Cameron, who had had a fantastic game but looked tired, being replaced up front by Ethan Gale. His 1^st touch of the game was to side foot the ball into the net for the Deeping winner. This was a fantastic end to a thoroughly entertaining, rollercoaster of a game and the result was certainly deserved for the “never say die” Deeping players. The final will be between Deeping Blues and Bourne Blues, with both teams having their eyes on a league and cup double.

Deeping Team – Ward-Jones, Allen, Smith, Morten, Jones, Fountain, Baxter, Wright, Cameron and Gale.

Glinton Blues U10s 1 - Deeping Blues U10s 8

Deeping produced their finest performance of the season in this possible "banana skin" away tie at Glinton. Straight from the off the away side went for the Glinton juggular and produced wave after wave of attacks. Jack Baxter opened the scoring for Deeping with a fine solo effort and soon after Glinton old boy, Joshua Cameron, made it 2-0 with a powerful long range free kick. Lewis Fountain made it 3-0 after latching onto a low cross and just before the break Cameron made it 4-0 with possibly the goal of the game. His far post header came courtesy of an excellent piece of inter-play between Baxter and left-back, Tom Smith, with the latter providing the killer cross. Glinton went into the interval looking shell-shocked, knowing that the 4-0 halftime scoreline could have easily been double that.

Three changes were made to the Deeping side to start the 2nd half and although their previous halfs momentum was lost for a little while it didnt take them long to regain their confident stride. Baxter added a fifth and his second with a blasted goal from an acute angle and his hat-trick soon followed courtesy of a slight deflection off a Glinton defender. Glinton never lost heart and managed a consolation goal from Deeping old boy, Jamie Skinner. Moment of the day belonged to Ethan Gale, who finished off another fast, flowing, Deeping attack with his 1st goal of the season and the last remaining player, other then the Deeping custodian, to score this campaign. Cameron finished the game with a fine left foot shot to give him the perfect hat trick of left foot, right foot and headed goals.

Deeping coach Dean Baxter commented after the game "The Deeping team played football of the highest quality. Everyone of my players produced intelligent, fast flowing football that was a pleasure to watch. Ive had some fantastic feedback from players parents and neutrals alike regarding this performance. Without tempting fate, we seem to have hit some good form at the right time of the season when a league and cup double is within our own hands."

Deeping Blues U10s 3 – Coates Yellows U10s 2

Deeping consolidated their position at the top of the Blue Zone league with a hard fought win at home against Coates Yellow. As was the case when both teams played the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Deeping were forced to come back from 2-1 down. The home team started the strongest and played some fantastic football, cutting open the Coates defence with some clever passing and strong runs, but were continually denied an early goal by either uncharacteristic poor finishing or solid goalkeeping. Eventually the Deeping pressure produced a deserved goal, which came courtesy of a fine left foot finish by Lewis fountain. This should have been the catalyst for more goals but it was the Coates team who equalised soon after with possibly their only chance during the 1^st half. Deeping went into the half-time break wondering how they were drawing 1-1 and not winning possibly 4-0, such was their domination.

Coates started the 2^nd half with more confidence and began to play some good football themselves. The Deeping defence looked comfortable with the Coates attacks but an unfortunate mix-up between the the Deeping custodian and a defender allowed the Coates striker in to put the away side 2-1 up. Credit to Deeping for quickly bouncing back, with Fountain popping up for the equaliser. Soon after the Deeping striker capped an awesome display with another goal for his hat-trick and what turned out to be the winner for the home side.

In summary, the Deeping players produced some excellent football but nearly paid the price for not turning early domination and pressure into goals, so allowing the opposition back into the game.

Deeping Rangers 4 Sawtry Colts 0

After a two week break Rangers returned to action in the league against Sawtry, on a blustery day at Outgang Road. Deeping dominated the first half without really threatening the score sheet; chances went begging with the Deeping forwards taking the wrong option time after time, the game went into half time at 0-0. The second half was again all Deeping but this half saw Lewis Renwick come off the bench to make an immediate impact on the game, he forced a corner from which former Sawtry player Jamie Cashin fired home to put Rangers ahead, Deeping grew in confidence and where soon two up when Jack Davenport doubled the lead from close range. Callum Fox then fired home from the edge of the box with a sweet strike, It was left to another former Sawtry player Sam Redhead to fire home from an acute angle to finish the scoring.

Deeping Blues U10s 2 – Northborough Black U10s 1

Deeping moved back to the top of the Blue Zone with a hard fought win against a determined Northborough side. The home side started the match like a steam train, with Jack Baxter blasting the ball into the top corner of the net within 30 seconds of the opening whistle. Deeping looked to add to the tally with some lovely flowing football, but found the Northborough defence and their custodian in solid form. A rare Northborough attack produced a corner at the other end. The corner was deflected off an unfortunate Deeping player into his own net to allow Northborough back into the game. Deeping were soon back in front after Joshua Cameron pounced on to a low cross and despatched the ball into the bottom corner. Lewis Fountain found the net again for Deeping but was judged to have hand-balled and the 1^st half ended 2-1 to the home side. Deeping produced a disappointing, lacklustre 2^nd half display and spurned the few chances they created allowing the game to finish 2-1. Tom Smith, possibly the smallest player on the field, again produced a fine battling display for the home side in what was possibly Deepings poorest performance of the season.

Deeping Blues now have a very tough, but exciting couple of months ahead, with a semi-final place in the KO cup, as well as the chance to win the Blue Zone title which is now back in Deeping Blues hands. The double is on, but a move up the gears by the Deeping team is needed to realise what would be a fantastic achievement.

Deeping Blues U10s 3 – Abbey Athletic U10s 0

Blue Zone title hopefuls, Deeping Blue, were made to work hard for this victory by a physical, hard working Abbey side. The home side started brightly and were soon rewarded with an early goal when Jack Baxter slotted home from close range after a neat passing move with Lewis Fountain. Striker Fountain, then added a deserved 2^nd not long after, which should have been the catalyst for a rampant Deeping performance. This was not to be, as the Abbey custodian and defence were putting in a solid performance, which, seemed to inspire their team mates to attempt an improbable comeback. Powerful tackling performances by the Deeping midfielders and defenders made sure that, for all their good effort, Abbey rarely troubled the Deeping goal. Baxter made the game safe for Deeping with a fine solo effort, collecting the ball on the half-way line, raced towards the Abbey goal and then lifted the ball over the advancing Abbey goalkeeper. Tom Smith put in a huge performance in midfield for Deeping with some ferocious tackling.

Yaxley Whites U10s 1 – Deeping Blues U10s 2

Deeping dug deep in the mud to produce a fine win over White Zone leaders, Yaxley Whites, to progress to the semi-final of the KO cup. Both teams produced some excellent football in very heavy conditions. Despite starting the brighter and creating the best early chances, Deeping found themselves 1-0 down when a Yaxley corner was unfortunately deflected in by the defending side for an own goal. Despite a few moments of despondency, Deeping lifted themselves up to try to get back into the game but found the Yaxley custodian in fine form. The 1^st half finished 1-0 to Yaxley but the Deeping players knew they could get back into this game.

Some solid defending and goalkeeping by both sides allowed the score to stay the same, until, midway through the 2^nd half, a fine through ball by Deepings Lewis Fountain fed Jack Baxter, who coolly slotted the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper and into the back of the empty net to make it 1-1. This was met with huge relief from all the travelling players and fans because an equaliser was well deseserved. Not long after Baxter made it 2-1, and game over, after firing in low and hard from a near impossible angle.

After the game, Deeping Blues Coach Dean Baxter stated “this was the perfect way to bounce back from last weeks disappointing display against Bourne. All my players showed what good strength of character they have by working their socks off and producing an excellent performance against one of the best teams (Yaxley) in this age group.”

Bourne Blue U10s 2 – Deeping Blue U10s 0

Deeping produced a disappointing 1^st half performance against Bourne in this top of the league clash, which allowed the home side to move 6 points clear of 2^nd placed Deeping. Both teams cancelled each other out during the early stages of the game and the 1^st goal was going to be crucial. And so it proved when Bourne opened the scoring with a long range effort. The Deeping defence and goalkeeper will be disappointed at not stopping the shot that hit the back of the net for the 1^st . More sloppy play allowed the 2^nd to be scored just before the break, when scrappy defending allowed an unmarked Bourne player to head into an empty net. Deeping were looking ragged, not able to string any passes together and seemed to forget they were playing as a team. The halftime whistle was most welcome for Deeping and a tough team talk was needed.

Deeping played much better during the 2^nd half but even under strong pressure the Bourne defence, and their superb goalkeeper, stood firm. Good passages of passing play from Deeping unfortunately didn’t produce at least a goal that they thoroughly deserved.

Deeping need to bounce back quickly from this defeat, their 1^st since September 07, if they hope to be still challenging for the title.

KO Cup 2nd Rnd Deeping Blues 2 - Parkside Blue 1

Deeping booked their place into the 3rd round draw after defeating Red Zone leaders, Parkside Athletic Blue. The two teams had met each other, in tournaments, numerous times, with Dave Setchfields Parkside team always managing to come out victorious, so a chance to reverse the usual outcome was extra motivation for the Deeping side.

The game started as a tight affair with both midfields and defences giving nothing away. It needed something special to open the scoring, and the Deeping strike pair produced it. Lewis Fountain cleverly flicked the ball over the visitors defence into the path of fellow stiker, Jack Baxter, who let it bounce once before blasting in on the second. Parkside were close to equalising before the break, but Lady Luck seemed to be smiling for Deeping.

Deeping doubled their lead not long after the break when Fountain, again fed Baxter a through ball for him to cleverly round the Parkside custodian and slot into an empty net. For the remainder of the game, Parkside threw everything and the "kitchen sink" at the Deeping defence of, Zac Allen, James Morten, Ethan Gale as well as goalkeeper, Alistair Jones,  but they all battled hard and stood firm. Eventually Parkside scored a goal to find a lifeline, but it came very late in the game and the the welcome referees whistle followed not long after. A special mention about Deeping striker, Joshua Cameron, who moved into midfield for this game and was outstanding. 

"Both teams worked extremely hard throughout, while the standard of football played was of excellent quality in the worst possible weather conditions. Best of luck to Parkside in the league"

Crowland U10s 0 - Deeping Blues U10s 5

Deeping produced a solid if not unspectactular display against a Crowland side struggling near the bottom of the Blue Zone. The visitors produced but squandered a number of chances before Jack Baxter let fly from long range to score and settle their nerves. He soon made it 2-0 after robbing the Crowland defender of possession and powering home the ensuing shot. A stubborn defensive and fine goalkeeping display by Crowland meant no more goals were conceded by the home side before half-time. A number of changes to the Deeping personnel was made for the 2nd half and this certainly paid dividends. Joshua Cameron slotted ito the net, to make it 3-0 soon after the restart while Alistair Jones was starting to make his pressence known since coming on as substitute. Jones fired a couple of good efforts just wide and then another of his fine shots was directed into the net by another half-time replacement, William Wright. Deservedly, Jones eventually added himself to the scoresheet to make it 5-0, with a fantastic long range shot that nestled into the top corner of the Crowland goal. Even though Crowland rarely produced an attack, another clean sheet means that Deeping are defensively heading in the right direction, while a little shooting practise may be needed in training for the Deeping strikers who, previously this season, have been lethal.  

Deeping Blues - Ward-Jones, Smith, Allen, Morten, Gale, Jones, Cameron, Fountain, Wright and Baxter

Spalding Athletic 0 – Deeping Blues 3

Deeping produced a fine performance, against a tricky Splading team, to consolidate their position at the summit of the Blue Zone League. Both teams produced a pulsating match that just about lifted the raw, cold temperature above freezing. Deeping started brightly and were soon ahead once Baxter found his range at goal. He powerfully dispatched a loose ball to make it 1-0. The 2^nd wasn’t long following. This time Baxter became the provider for Cameron to coolly tuck home a low cross. Spalding looked dangerous once they found their pacey striker, but the Blues 1^st half defence of Allen and Gale worked well to snuff out the danger. Deeping went into the break with a deserved 2-0 lead.

The 2^nd half saw Spalding come out strongly, but a string of terrific saves from Ward-Jones made sure Spalding were not to get back into the game. Deepings awesome midfield duo of Smith and Morten began to again boss the bigger Spalding players and a fantastic through ball from midfield allowed the hard-working Cameron to bundle home under pressure to make it 3-0 and the game safe.

This was a fantastic hard-working performance from the illness affected Blues against a much physically bigger team. Well done lads!

Deeping Rangers Blues U10s 8 – Boston Juniors U10s 0

Deeping strolled to a fine victory against a spirited Boston side, without really hitting top gear. Deeping worked hard and passed well to break down a Boston side intent on damage limitation. Baxter and Fountain scored goals 1 and 2, both finishing off some lovely passing play. Fountain made it 3-0 with a fine left foot shot into the bottom corner of the net and a tap in for his hat-trick wasn’t long following. Smith made it 5-0 just before the break with a well placed goal.

Deepings rhythm slightly lost its beat during the 2^nd half when a number of changes were made at half-time. This allowed Boston to have a better period of play but the much improved Deeping defence made sure they kept another clean sheet.

Baxter hit one of his trade-mark, long range rockets to make it 6-0 and soon tapped in for his hat-trick and Deepings 7^th. James Morten finally made it 8-0 to Deeping when reacting first to a superb Cameron shot that threatened to snap the bar.

Deeping Blues Team – Jones, Ward-Jones, Morten, Gale, Allen, Baxter, Fountain, Wright, Cameron and Smith

November 10^th 2007 Rippingale Rovers U10s 2 – Deeping Blues U10s 3

Deeping showed real strength of character to twice come from behind to topple league leaders and reigning league champions, Rippingale. This top of the league clash was played in blustery conditions which produced a game of 2 halves. Rippingale, with the wind in their backs, piled on the pressure from the off and were rewarded with an early goal. Deeping remained positive, and they battled back to equalise soon after when Fountain blasted in from a rebound. Rippingale hit back again to make it 2-1 with a fine headed goal but still Deeping heads didn’t drop. With half-time approaching, Deeping achieved parity, when Baxter managed to force the ball home from a scrappy piece of goal-mouth action. Once the whistle blew for the interval, Deeping knew they would be taking a slight advantage into the 2^nd half.

Deeping started the 2^nd half strongly, making sure they were playing a tighter game, with midfielders, Fountain and Morten, producing outstanding battling performances to nullify the Rippingale midfield. The Deeping defence of Allen and Smith as well as Goalkeeper Jones, worked hard to prevent Rippingales dangerous forwards from having a sniff at goal, while the Deeping forward line of Baxter, Cameron and later on, Wright, were producing strong runs that were putting the Rippingale defence under immense pressure. Eventually this pressure told when Cameron struck a fine effort that the Rippingale custodian struggled to hold onto and spilled agonisingly over the goal line. Rippingale went looking for the equaliser, but Deeping were determined to preserve their lead and finally they inflicted Rippingales 1^st league defeat for 2 seasons.

This was a good, solid, battling performance from Deeping against possibly the best U10 team in the Peterborough Junior Alliance, but will mean nothing if we do not produce the same type of performances throughout the rest of the season.

Deeping Blue U10s 7 – Glinton Blue U10s 0

Deeping returned from the half-term break still in the same goal hungry mood that they had been in before the 2 week rest. This time though, the Deeping defence were not in their normal charitable mood and gave Glinton little or nothing, so recording their 1^st clean sheet since the opening day. Glinton came into this match off the back of 2 consecutive wins so were confident of giving Deeping a tough match. Baxter opened the scoring for Deeping with a scorching shot that was too hot for the Glinton custodian to handle. Cameron soon made it 2-0 against his old team mates when tapping in a low cross. He then became provider for the 3^rd , when his perfect corner was superbly headed in by Fountain. Deeping piled the pressure onto the Glinton goalmouth, but some stubborn defending kept the score-line at half-time to 3-0.

A number of Deeping changes were made at half-time and two of these substitutes produced possibly the goal of the game. Wright and Smith conjured up a wonderful goal, finally finished by Smith, with some magical one touch football that left both sets of supporters applauding. Deepings 5^th goal started from a Glinton corner! The corner was headed clear to Baxter, who then set off from the edge of his own area, ran the full length of the pitch and then coolly slipped it past the despairing Glinton goalkeeper. Baxter became provider for goals 6 & 7, producing the ammunition for Morten to fire home.

This was a fine Deeping performance and a real confidence booster for the defenders before next Saturdays top of the league clash with Rippingale.

Deeping Team – Ward-Jones, Gale, Allen, Smith, Morten, Baxter, Wright, Cameron and Fountain

U10s League Cup 1^st Round Parkside Athletic Yellow U10s 2 – Deeping Blues U10s 10

Deeping booked their place into the 2^nd round of the League Cup with an emphatic victory away at Parkside. The Blues started brightly with 2 early goals from some alert play. The 1st was blasted into the net by Baxter after a short corner, and then Baxter became the provider for the 2^nd, when his quick throw-in reached Cameron, who had made a fantastic run, to slot home from close range. This was Deeping at its best, but soon to follow was the frustrating problems that Deeping have suffered from so far all season- Defending! Parkside were allowed back into the game because of missed tackles and missed clearances. 2 Parkside goals left the away team reeling and starting to panic. Cameron eased the pressure just before half-time to make it 3-2 for Deeping with a coolly taken penalty. Stern but encouraging words were spoken at half time, which the Deeping players responded too in superb style. Baxter opened the floodgates with a long range strike, while Cameron completed his hat-trick soon after to make it 5-2. Deepings 6^th goal was an unfortunate own goal. Goal 7 was a well deserved goal for Fountain after he latched onto another quick throw. Ward-Jones and Wright scored goals 8 and 9 after both reacting quickest from close range. The final goal belonged to Smith who showed great character to bounce back from an early mistake to fire in a perfectly executed penalty. Overall Deeping played some excellent football against a resilient Parkside defence and showed great character to bounce back from the earlier problems. A 2^nd half clean sheet was a fantastic added bonus, so well done to all the Deeping defenders.

Deeping Blues – Jones, Ward-Jones, Smith, Allen, Gale, Morten, Wright, Cameron, Fountain and Baxter

Northborough Black U10s 3 – Deeping Blues U10s 7

Deeping produced another fine attacking performance, scoring seven goals on a small Northborough pitch. Birthday boy, Lewis Fountain, opened the scoring for Deeping with a fantastic long-range effort that looped over the Northborough custodian. Northborough seemed undeterred by the goal and hit back almost instantaneously. Jack Baxter helped put Deeping back ahead, after his low cross was put into the back of the net courtesy of a Northborough defender. Joshua Cameron increased the Deeping lead with a tremendous long-range free kick. Deeping were now in total control of the game but were soon to put pressure on themselves with some sloppy defending. The Northborough attacker was allowed to run unchallenged, straight through the middle of the static Deeping defence and then rifled in a goal to narrow the score to 3-2. Baxter eased the pressure for Deeping with a well-deserved goal, while Cameron and another Northborough O.G. just before the break, made the 6-2 scoreline more comfortable for Deeping.

The 2^nd half saw Deeping pile on a huge amount of pressure but found the substitute Northborough custodian in fantastic form, producing save after save. This inspired the Northborough side to score and brought the scoreline to 6-3. Deeping, undeterred, played some lovely flowing football and were rewarded with a fine finished goal from ever improving William Wright.

Some of the supporters have likened the Deeping Blues to Tottenham Hotspurs. Fantastic going forward but allowing too many goals to be scored against them. This will have to be worked on in training if we are to have any realistic chance of challenging for the league title.

Abbey Athletic U10s 2 – Deeping Rangers Blue U10s 6

Deeping Blues bounced back, from last weeks disappointing defeat against Bourne Blue, with an emphatic 6-2 win away at Abbey Athletic. The Blues put in a much more determined display, creating plenty against a solid defensive Abbey side. Fountain hit his 2^nd hat-trick of the season with 3 fine goals. The pick of which was a excellent header from a corner. Baxter scored for Deeping with a long range free-kick, while Wright and Cameron deservedly picked up a goal apiece after some fine Deeping football. The Deeping midfield duo of Morten and Cameron worked their socks off to help with both attack and defence, while their team-mates in defence, Smith, Allen and Jones gave very little away allowing the Deeping custodian, Ward-Jones, very little to do. A couple of lapses of concentration allowed Abbey some consolation goals but the overall Deeping performance was very good

Deeping Rangers Blues U10s 14 – Crowland U10s 0

The excitement of the 1^st league match of the season was tinged with a bit of disappointment for Deeping Blues, when Crowland turned up for a 7 a side match with only 5 players. Unfortunately the match had to be played. As expected, Deeping totally dominated from the off and the 1^st goal, blasted in by Baxter, was scored within a couple of minutes. An own goal made it 2-0, followed very quickly by two excellent solo goals from Cameron, who was making his Deeping Rangers league debut. Fountain scored goals 5, 6 and 7. One a fine back post header and the other two from some excellent passing moves and some skilful football. Cameron scored his hat-trick for 8-0 and a second own goal made it 9-0 before the break.

Many changes were made to the Deeping personnel at half-time as well as players being allowed to play in different positions. These changes had little impact on the Deeping team as again they exposed the space with some fine passing football. Some heroic Crowland defending and goalkeeping restricted the new look Deeping forward line from running up a rugby score. The score moved up to 12-0 after Wright poached 2 goals and also set up a goal for Allen with a fine cross. Cameron came back on the field and scored goal 13 while goal 14 was unfortunately another own goal.

This was more of a training session than a match for Deeping, but full credit to the Crowland players for playing with fantastic enthusiasm and still coming off the field with a smile on their face.

Deeping squad – Ward-Jones, Jones, Smith, Baxter, Morten, Allen, Cameron, Wright, Gale and Fountain