29.04.09
Deeping Rangers 7 v Whittlesey Blue 2
Deeping Rangers turned on the style in their final game of the season and cantered to a 7-2 victory over Whittlesey Blue.
Buoyed by their previous 2 victories over Yaxley (6-1) and Sawtry (6-2), Rangers were full of confidence from the first whistle and the initial 15 minutes was one-way traffic as the home side mounted assault after assault on the Whittlesey goal. The highlight of the opening flurry of action was Greenwoods superb long range free kick which beat the keeper but just caught the upside of the cross bar.
The midfield trio of Morten, Hick & Dorward smothered the middle of the park and collected every loose ball, giving their back 4 a very comfortable evening. Wingers Cameron and Heavens looked dangerous on the attack and the energy filled Brown yet again covered every blade of grass with his unselfish link up play.
The scoring opened with Hick on 15 minutes after a Brown’s shot rebounded off the keeper into his path. Cameron then made it 2-0 when he collected an inch perfect clearance from Andrews in goal. Cameron rounded 3 advancing players and coolly shot low and hard for his second goal in as many games. Cameron came off shortly afterwards with a slight injury and was replaced by Parker on the right wing.
Rangers’ 3rd of the half and best of the evening started with Young who has excelled at left back this season. He picked the ball up inside his own half and threaded a wonderful ball into Hick’s path wide on the left. Hick rounded two players and then shot from an acute angle.
Whittlesey gave themselves a fighting chance when they caught the Deeping back line napping and nipped through to score past the advancing Andrews.
At half time, Baxter was brought back into action after recovering from his broken wrist just 6 weeks ago, and he made an immediate impact down the left putting pressure on the Whittlesey right back and penning him deep into his own territory. Man of the match Hick secured his hatrick after a superb passage of play down the right wing from Greenwood and Parker and then Baxter got himself on the score sheet after a strong run down the left.
Deeping’s regular keeper, Ward-Jones was brought off the bench with 15 minutes to go and given the role of striker. He made an immediate impact, causing confusion in the away defence and his tenacity paid off when he was upended in the box. Brown despatched the resulting penalty and Baxter added to his haul with a sweet lob from 15 yards after a wonderful piece of individual skill from Morten.
Whittlesey were awarded a penalty late on which was well taken despite a fine effort by Andrews to keep it out. Final score 7-2.
After a shakey start to the season, Deeping Rangers have turned things around and have finished the season with 22 goals in their last 4 games and a great confidence and team spirit throughout the squad.
Coach Dave Dorward said, “Our biggest disappointment is that the season is now over. My lads have been superb throughout the season and the last few games have been breathtaking to watch as they have dismantled some very good footballing sides with ease. We now look forward to a couple of tournaments over the summer and a few friendly games to keep us active. We’ll also be welcoming 1 or 2 new faces to the squad as we look to build on what we’ve achieved this season and seek to push Bourne Red and Wisbech St Mary harder for the honours next time round. If any teams fancy a friendly over the summer please contact me via the Deeping Rangers website – www.deepingrangers.co.uk.”
Deeping Rangers: Jackson Andrews, Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, Zac Allen (C), Rhys Young, James Morten, James Dorward, William Greenwood, Patrick Brown, George Hick (MOTM), Joshua Cameron, Toby Heavens, Jack Baxter.
26.04.09
Sawtry Colts Blue 2 v Deeping Rangers 6
A James Dorward hatrick and season best performance from man of the match Josh Cameron resulted in Deeping securing 4th spot in the Under 11 first division with a 6-2 win away at Sawtry.
Both teams took a little while to size each other up but Deeping, full of confidence from their 6-1 mauling of Yaxley the previous week, settled first and get about the job of spreading the ball to their fast wide men of Cameron & Heavens.
Deeping keeper, Ward-Jones, who was back from injury looked bright and sharp and settled the away defence early on with a parried save followed up with a brave dive at the feet of an oncoming striker.
The two James’s, Morten and Dorward, have formed a formidable partnership in the past few weeks and they, along with fellow central midfielder were instrumental in the shape of the game as they completely outplayed Sawtry for long periods of the game. And it was Morten who set up the first goal with a wonderful cutting pass down the right for Cameron who took the ball past the last defender and rounded on goal for a cracking shot which the keeper was only able to push to the feet of George Hick who followed through with Deepings first. 1 - 0
Sawtry replied within 5 minutes with a soft free kick, driven into the penalty area which Deeping failed to clear. 1-1
Sawtry began to get a bit of rhythm and were unlucky not to go a goal up when Ward-Jones dived to his left to save a low shot from the Sawtry striker, but Deeping soon regained their composure and saw Parker who had earlier replaced the injured Heavens on the left, go close connecting with a loose ball after an in swinging corner from Cameron.
Hick was at the heart of Deeping’s second goal having taken a through ball from Morten and putting Dorward through on goal, using his weaker left foot to score the first of his 3. 1 – 2.
The second half saw Heavens back on the left with Dorward taking a breather and soon saw his hard work pay off when he played a killer ball into the feet of Brown. Without breaking his stride, Borwn controlled the ball and ran at the defence and then wrong footed the keeper who was only able to parry the ball out to Hick who was following in to finish of the move with a goal. 1 - 3
Hick was poacher turned game keeper for the fourth when Morten headed and then controlled the ball through to Hick on the right who played the ball to Cameron wide on the right. Cameron had it all to do as he was been man to man marked but used his strength to speed to power past the defender to drive the ball into the corner of the net. 1 – 4.
Sawtry caught Deeping napping for their 2nd as Deeping started to tire a little with a long ball over the top which Ward-Jones raced to get to first but was 2nd place to a fearless striker who was injured as he lobbed the ball over the keeper. 2 – 4.
Dorward was brought back on the field for the tired Hick who had been bossing the attack with Brown all game. The fresh legs off Dorward paid off with the 2nd and 3rd of his hatrick to make it 6 -2 to Deeping. A well deserved win for a team who looked comfortable and recognition for the coaching team who are beginning to see fruits of their training regime on the pitch.
Deeping host Whittlesey on Wednesday evening in their final game of the season and with both teams scoring freely at the weekend, it promises to be a cracking finale to the season.
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, Zac Allen (C), Rhys Young, James Morten, James Dorward, William Greenwood, Patrick Brown, George Hick, Joshua Cameron (MOTM), Toby Heavens.
19.04.09
Yaxley Whites 1 v Deeping Rangers 6
An emphatic second-half display from Deeping Rangers saw 3rd placed Yaxley Whites suffer their biggest defeat of the season to a rampant Deeping Rangers side.
Yaxley started the brighter of the two teams, immediately going on the offensive down the left wing and within 35 seconds they went a goal up. With the away team failing to deal with a loose ball on the edge of their penalty area, Briggs cut in between the central defence and slotted the ball in at the near post.
They say that you can score too early in a game and this proved to be so for Yaxley as the strike was the wake up call for Deeping who have traditionally been quick starters themselves.
Having gone a goal behind so early on in the game Deeping needed to get its shape and plug the hole that Yaxley had exploited. The defence were up to the job with Zac Allen, William Greenwood, Jason Lythgoe and Rhys Young marching as one and steadying the ship. Yaxley continued to dominate the early passages of play and nearly had a second goal but for the brave keeping of Rangers’ custodian Callum Ward-Jones and a penalty shout waved away when a ball struck the trailing arm of a Deeping defender.
Deeping’s midfield soon found their feet and started to soak up the pressure from their back four and it was George Hick who carved out their first chance of the morning when he threaded a perfectly weighted ball to the feet of striker Patrick Brown who battled hard and won a corner.
James Morten and Hick then worked well in central midfield to feed lightning fast Brown through on goal, but again the home keeper kept him at bay. Deeping were starting to see a greater percentage of possession and central defender William Greenwood was starting to push forwards from his defensive role as the game started to open up. Morten was involved again as he picked the ball up from a Lythgoe clearance and threaded it through the Yaxley defence for Hick to run on to. Hick shot but the keeper was out fast and deflected the shot wide with Brown sprinting for the follow up and an empty net but he ran out of pitch.
Mid-way through the first half Deeping lost their keeper when Ward-Jones came out to the feet of the advancing Yaxley forward and took an injury to his leg in the process. Despite trying his best Callum had to limp off the field to be replaced by Jackson Andrews. And it was Andrews who started the move for Deeping’s first goal of the morning when he cleared the ball into the Yaxley half. It was headed straight back but Lythgoe controlled the ball and passed it to Hick who played in Joshua Cameron on the right beating the offside trap and unleashing a sweet shot across the goal and into the net. 1 - 1.
With greater enthusiasm and belief that this game was evenly matched Deeping started to string passes together and Brown had another shot well saved in the dying minutes of the half.
The second half started with Deeping determined to apply the pressure on Yaxley and it wasn’t long before they took the lead. Greenwood stood over a free kick just inside the Yaxley half and spotted Hick making a diagonal run towards goal. Greenwood’s quick thinking saw the ball slice through the home midfield and defence into the path of Hick who steadied himself before shooting low and hard to the keeper’s right. 1 – 2 Deeping.
The pressure on the home side started to mount as Cameron saw more of the ball down the right and whipped in crosses for Hick and then Brown to steer towards goal. Yaxley were unable to clear a ball from Cameron and Dorward found himself in space on the edge of the penalty area and struck the ball sweetly with his un-favoured left boot and it sailed into the net. 1 - 3 Deeping.
Deeping now had victory in their sights and played with great enthusiasm and control as they started to boss every aspect of the game and at times left Yaxley chasing shadows with their slick passing and movement. Proving they are as much a threat down the left as they are the right, left winger Toby Heavens had his best game of the season as he battled hard and won every loose ball and tackle that came his way, and it was his pin point corner mid-way through the second half which was met by Dorward’s powerful header to take the game beyond Yaxley and see Rangers take a 3 goal advantage.
Yaxley did not stop working and started to fight back but Deeping were not going to surrender their lead. Morten took a knock on his leg and was replaced by Jacob Parker in the centre of the park. But the change made no difference to Deeping’s game plan and Parker nearly found himself on the score sheet a long-range shot which nearly caught the keeper off guard.
A tired Hick was replaced by the rested Morten who got straight into the game winning the ball back in the centre of the pitch. Dorward supporting Morten got the ball to Greenwood who looked up, considered his options and then let rip with a screamer from 20 yards into the top corner of the net. 5 – 1 Deeping.
But Deeping weren’t finished there and continued to ask questions of the Yaxley defence and managed to force one last corner deep into the second half. Cameron lofted the ball high in to the Yaxley penalty area towards the far post where Morten did not need asking twice to head the ball above the flailing arms of the keeper to make it 6 – 1.
Manager Dave Dorward said after the game, “We have been threatening a performance like this for some time now so it was great to see the boys play like that and get the rewards for their efforts. Although James Dorward picked up the man of the match award, in truth there was very little to choose between any of the boys who showed great maturity and determination to play at levels beyond their years. With two games remaining this season we won’t be taking our foot off the gas as we want to finish as high as we can in this very tough league.”
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Jackson Andrews, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, Zac Allen, Rhys Young, James Morten, James Dorward (MOTM), William Greenwood, Patrick Brown, George Hick, Joshua Cameron, Toby Heavens.
05.04.09
Deeping Rangers 3 v Stamford 1
Deeping took advantage of an under strength 10 man Stamford side who were hit by illness and absence to comfortably win 3–1.
The game started brightly with the Deeping side looking to make their extra man advantage pay. Early work by William Greenwood and James Morten down the left forced a brave save by the stand-in Stamford keeper, Henry Franks.
Stamford didn’t sit back and looked to get the ball forward whenever they could, but for long periods of the first half they were on the back foot and forced to defend deep. But in Liam Laughton they always have the ability to score so Rangers didn’t take the win for granted and paid special attention to Laughton who was playing in a lone striker’s role.
William Greenwood, playing in the centre of defence of Deeping was at the heart of every move and he almost set up the first goal when he played a killer ball through to Morten who turned and put the ball at the feet of sprinting George Hick, who whipped in a cross to the far post but it was cut out by the Stamford defence.
Hick was in the next Deeping attack this time picking up the ball from James Dorward and putting Morten in on goal after a scrappy piece of play from both sides, but he was unable to get a clear shot and the ball went wide.
Deeping were growing stronger in attack and Patrick Brown who had been down the right of attack picked up a ball from Josh Cameron and whipped it across to the edge of the 6-yard box, where Heavens met it full on the volley 10 yards out. The crowd held their breath as the ball soared goal-wards only to see it skim the outside of the upright.
Stamford continued to battle to win possession and tried their best to get the ball to Laughton who was camped on the centre spot. But in contrast to the previous week, Deeping paid him the respect of having 2 defenders covering his every move which neutralised his speed and strength and left him as a spectator for much of the first half.
The first goal was getting closer and on 15 minutes Morten’s trade mark long throw gave George Hick the time to turn his marker and run onto the ball and into the Stamford penalty area, only to be caught by a last gasp challenge. Man of the match Hick and the superb Morten were involved minutes later when the deadlock was finally broken. Rhys Young brought the ball out of defence and passed to Hick who had come deep to get involved in play. Hick drove on and saw the run of Morten ahead of him, who in turn heard Brown screaming for the ball on the right. Morten provided the telling pass and Brown accelerated passed the defenders and slotted the ball across the Keeper into the net. 1- 0 Deeping.
Stamford immediately responded and Lythgoe and Greenwood found themselves chasing back to put off the advancing striker with Allen covering to clear the lose ball.
Morten, Hick and Cameron went on the next sortie with Hick getting himself across on the right and linking up with Cameron to force the corner. Stamford were caught napping as Cameron played a short corner to Hick who laid the ball back to him to whip into the box. The ball was met by the mis-timed scissor kick from Morten and the ball bobbled wide.
Cameron started to see more of the ball on the right in the closing minutes of the first half going close with a shot from distance. Greenwood picked the ball up and played a 1 –2 with Dorward who tried a route one ball to Hick trying to release Cameron who was pushed wide and settled for the corner.
Stamford who to their credit were still only one down looked to be holding their own when they lobbed the ball over the Deeping defence sending Lythgoe into overdrive as he attempted to make up the 5 yards Laughton had on him. But the Deeping back four are working very well as a unit and it wasn’t long before Greenwood got back to support and clear the danger.
In the home goal, Callum Ward-Jones had very little to do in the first half as Deeping had most of the possession in the Stamford half, and Greenwood, Lythgoe, Allen and Young held a tight line catching the strikers offside.
At the opposite end, things got worse for Stamford as Henry Franks took a knock to his right knee and had to retire from the field, leaving his team with just 9 players. Rob Parker-Meadows took the gloves from Franks and it wasn’t long before he was called into action and Rangers looked to turn the screws.
Deeping continued to chip away at the Stamford back line and Cameron began to rule the right wing with his direct and powerful running and he was instrumental in setting up the second goal when his throw deep in the Stamford half went to the feet of Hick who again found room to turn and run into the penalty area. The Stamford centre back was a yard off the pace and made a clumsy challenge and gave the referee no choice but to point the penalty spot. Josh Cameron placed the ball and struck it well but it went right down the middle, allowing Parker-Meadows to make the save, but the ball spilled out and the first person to react was Hick who buried it in the back of the net to double the home advantage right on the stroke of half time.
Ryan Wilkinson replaced Patrick Brown at the start of the second half and the home team looked to take advantage of the away side’s tiring legs. Deeping looked composed and started to pass the ball around between the defence and the midfield.
Heavens out on the left was battling every ball and ensuring that Stamford did not get into the game. Greenwood continued to track the movement of Laughton and Allen lay in wait to give another dimension to the defence.
However, the ever threatening Laughton spotted Ward-Jones off his line as he collected the ball wide on the left and took a speculative swing from the half way line and despite Ward-Jones’ best efforts to scramble back, he could do nothing to stop it bouncing high over his head and into the goal behind him.
At 2-1Stamford were making a game of it and Deeping were not getting it all their own way but they started to make ground and apply pressure to the tired legs of Stamford. Hick picked the ball up from Morten and supplied a perfect ball to Cameron who neatly slotted the ball passed the keeper to make it 3–1 Deeping.
Deeping had a scare a few minutes later when Ward-Jones had a 1 on 1 with Laughton on the right, but he sprinted out to close down the angle making it difficult for the striker and Greenwood swept up behind to clear the ball from danger before Stamford could capitalise.
Deeping continued to rotate the team with Brown on to replace Heavens and Jacob Parker with a strapped up knee replaced Dorward, who along with Hick & Morten had covered every blade of grass on this hot early spring afternoon. And with 5 minutes remaining Parker almost made an immediate impact when he struck a shot from 20 yards which was just wide of the post.
The final whistle blew with Deeping taking the honours, but Stamford showed tremendous character and strength throughout the match.
Rangers Manager, Dave Dorward said after the game, “We deserved the victory today as we have been playing some great football in recent weeks but we haven’t always had the rub of the green. Last week’s game against Stamford was just as closely fought and although we had more players available this week, the scoreline was never a foregone conclusion. This win now puts us safely in this division next season which was our only objective back in September and with 3 games remaining our objective is now to finish as high as we possibly can. Full credit goes to Stuart & Dave for the way that their team handled themselves today and we look forward to seeing them in our tournament at the end of August and again in division 1 next season.”
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, Zac Allen (captain), Rhys Young, James Morten, James Dorward, William Greenwood, Patrick Brown, George Hick (man of the match), Joshua Cameron, Toby Heavens, Ryan Wilkinson
29.03.09
Stamford 2 v Deeping Rangers 1
Deeping made their early pressure pay off and took first blood in the first of two meetings between Deeping Rangers and Stamford. Stamford used their key man to great effect down the left who took his two chances during the game to seal the victory for Stamford. Deeping will be looking to emulate his explosive speed and power if they are to overcome Stamford next week and keep the exceptional Stamford no 7 as quiet as possible.
Deeping started well with their regular formation, settling in and applying the right amount of pressure to the home team forcing them into making errors. Deepings first attack on came from Patrick Brown linking up with Josh Cameron on the right taking the ball past the defender but not able to trouble the keeper with his shot.
Brown was back in the action again a few minutes later with a great 1 –2 with Andrews who controlled the return pass and a shot on goal, which was saved by the Keeper.
The back four of Captain Zac Allen, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker and Rhys Young were making it easy for the midfield marshalling the line and keeping the Stamford strikers on the their toes to avoid being caught off side.
Lythgoe cleared the ball to James Dorward in midfield who found Andrews out wide but was unable to keep the ball in, which went for a Stamford throw. James Morten was first to the ball and headed it to Jackson who put a telling ball across the 18-yard box for Brown to pick up and shoot. The keeper was down quickly and stopped the shot but the pressure was growing and it looked just a matter of time before Deeping found their shooting boots.
Deeping started a great move down the left with Young showing some excellent control to dispossess the striker and then take the ball up field laying it off to Morten who passed 2 players and played into the run of Brown who’s first touch was a little strong giving the keeper time to come out and smother the shot.
On the 20-minute mark, Dorward made way for George Hick in midfield and Deeping tried to make the fresh legs pay off. William Greenwood who had been playing a defensive role in the centre of midfield pushed on higher up the pitch and played in Jackson who was up-ended by the defender.
Greenwood played an important part that set up the first goal retrieving the ball from Stamford and passing it out wide to Cameron. Cameron shimmied passed his marker coming inside. He saw the run of Brown who was calling for the ball and obliged with a well-weighted pass. Brown still had plenty to do as the defenders were snapping at his heals but calmly unleashed the ball across the keeper into the far side of the goal. 1- 0 Deeping.
This goal spurred on the home side and they started to apply the pressure that unsettled Deeping. The game started to get scrappy with Deeping unable to play their passing game and Callum Ward-Jones who had been reasonably quiet in goal was forced to make a number of saves when left 1 on 1 with the strikers. Deeping were relieved to see a ball bounce back off the woodwork and then cleared away to safety by Zac Allen, only to be pushed back by Stamford and the ball at the feet of Liam Laughton, who had been kept quiet for most of the half. He rounded the defender with ease and with a sweet strike of his left boot saw the ball nestle high in the back of the net. 1-1
Deeping tried to get going again with some excellent interplay between Hick and Morten in the centre of the park but they were unable to get a shot off and the half ended 1-1.
The second half saw a number of Deeping substitutions; Ryan Wilkinson and Toby Heavens replaced Cameron and an un-well Allen who passed on the armband to Morten.
Deeping again started well with attacks mainly down the left with Andrews in excellent form resulting in a free kick which was floated in by Greenwood but found a stationary attack who could not seem to find the net.
Deeping paid dearly for their blanks in front of goal as Stamford found their prolific player Laughton waiting eagerly on the shoulder of the replacement right back turning with the ball and running at the defence. Deeping had no answer and saw themselves go a goal behind as Stamford took the lead.
Deeping kept their heads and showed the maturity of a team eager to get back on level terms. Wilkinson was showing great pace and shot just wide having been put through by Brown.
Cameron was brought on as a centre forward replacing a tired Brown to capitalise on the tiring legs of the Stamford defence but they were defending in numbers and making it difficult to penetrate down the centre.
Morten and Jackson tried to play wide but were pushed back by the weight of numbers behind the ball, Greenwood made a solo run from his deep midfield position finishing with a shot on goal but unfortunately too close to the keeper.
Morten and Greenwood linked up again as Deeping looked for the equaliser but the keeper was sweeping up the Deeping efforts on goal.
Brown was brought back into the attack giving Deeping’s Man of the March Jackson Andrews a rest but they were unable to score that critical goal and the game ended 2 –1 to Stamford.
Deeping will be looking forward to the return leg next week and will be hoping to make the home advantage pay and put a few more past the Stamford keeper.
Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, Zac Allen, Rhys Young, James Morten, Jackson Andrews, James Dorward, William Greenwood, Patrick Brown, George Hick, Joshua Cameron, Toby Heavens, Ryan Wilkinson.
22.03.09
Bourne Red 5 v Deeping Rangers 2
Deeping Rangers gave a good account of themselves today against league winners Bourne Red who showed why they have come out on top this season with well-taken goals and complete dominance in the first 10 minutes. Deeping rallied and pulled the game to 2- 2 by the 20 minute mark and looked like they could go on and take the match, but to Bourne Reds credit they regrouped and with their keeper in excellent form and the strikers with a keen eye for goal the came worthy winners 5 –2 taking the league title with 2 games still to play.
Bourne Reds started well passing the ball down the flanks and giving the Deeping left back Rhys Young a headache from the first whistle. James Dorward used a long throw to release Ryan Wilkinson down the left but he was unable to penetrate the Bourne defence. Bourne played a route 1 ball down the middle, which caught the Deeping defence napping, and they were able to capitalise as Callum Ward-Jones sprinted from his goal to smother the shot but was second best to the striker who placed the ball high into the net.
Deeping continued to apply pressure but were nervous and had lost their fluid play from the previous weeks. Toby Heavens released George Hick on a run but the keeper was out quickly and swept up the ball from the feet of Hick. Heavens was provider again as Wilkinson got in the action but again the keeper was more than a match for the shot.
Bourne Red who had soaked up the pressure and looked relaxed turned a Deeping attack into one of their own by taking the ball from Deepings midfield and then charging through the defence to put Bourne 2 – 0 up with only 10 minutes on the clock.
The Deeping heads were up and James Morten fed by William Greenwood started to push the ball around getting it out wide to Josh Cameron on the wing. Cameron was becoming more active and started getting the better of the Bourne defence.
Cameron and Hick were playing well together and seemed to have settled into the game.
Morten in the centre of midfield continued to head everything back up the pitch that was with in his reach. Greenwood pushed out of defence to support Heavens on the left supplying with a well weighted pass which enable Heavens to get in on goal and make the keeper save with the ball falling to the feet of Hick who placed the ball into the net and gave Deeping the confidence boost they needed. 2- 1
Patrick Brown was brought into the action as Wilkinson took a breather and made an immediate impression causing the Bourne defence all sorts of problems.
Zac Allen along with Jason Lythgoe, Greenwood and Young were finding their rhythm going hard into the tackles and managing the line well. This helped the midfield to push on and Cameron picked up another ball from Greenwood who found Morten higher up the pitch, supported by Hick who made a run across goal to find Brown who controlled the ball and then calmly shot pass the keeper into the Bourne net to bring the game level 2-2.
Deeping made another substitution on the left bringing on the fresh legs for Jackson Andrews for the tired one of Heavens. Ward-Jones was urging his team to move forward and used his left footed kick to find Cameron to make another break down the right.
With all the pressure being applied by Deeping they missed that Bourne Reds were amassing runners on the shoulders of the Deeping Defence and with quick thinking by the Bourne Red Keeper and another route one ball found they found the Striker one on one with Ward-Jones. 3 – 2 Bourne. Although against the run of play it geed on Bourne Red and sucked the juice from Deeping who went 4 –2 down after failing to clear a goalmouth scramble minutes later.
Jacob Parker was brought into the mix in defence with Greenwood moving into midfield to replace the substituted Dorward. The half ended with Bourne Reds in a commanding but fragile lead and Deeping looking to capitalise on the slope and sun behind them in the second half.
The second half started brightly for Deeping, Ward-Jones launched the ball from his hands to Hick who linked up in a 1-2 with Morten and then went in on goal but was unable to get passed the defenders.
Hick again got into a good position and pushed the ball into Brown who hit it first time but his shot was too close to the inform keeper who was frustrating the Deeping strikers. Brown came close minutes later after a sweeping corner by Cameron found him unmarked on the edge of the 6-yard box sweetly heading the ball goal wards but cleared from off the line.
Cameron spurred on by Deepings pressure looked to have a certain penalty as he fell to ground, only to look up and see the Referee wave away his claims.
Deeping continued to apply the pressure earning a free kick just outside of the 18 yard box which Greenwood took but was unable to trouble the inform Keeper.
Cameron was replaced by Heavens with Coach Dave Dorward trying to generate some increased energy from the weary legs of Deeping. It was not to be with Bourne Red passing there way through the Deeping defence and unleashing an excellent shot to make it 5 –2.
Deeping did not give up and continued to make the Keeper work with shots from Wilkinson and a well-worked move with Young clearing the danger to Morten who controlled the ball, passed two players to provide a great ball to Andrews who got round the back of the defence and crossed and excellent ball, met by the head of Brown which was inches wide of the post.
Deeping can be pleased with their performance. There were a lot off positives with good movement off and on the ball, use of the wingers on the right and left and a spirit that continued to the end. In the end it came down to Bourne Reds taking there chances well and earning the respect they deserve as League winners.
Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, Zac Allen, Rhys Young, James Morten, Jackson Andrews, James Dorward, William Greenwood, Patrick Brown, George Hick, Joshua Cameron, Toby Heavens, Ryan Wilkinson.
15.03.09
Wisbech St Mary 6 v Deeping Rangers 2
Deeping Rangers continued with the style of football that silenced Bourne Blue the previous week but were turned over by the speed of Wisbech Saint Mary’s counter attacks and stamina as Deeping tried to convert their high percentage of first half possession into goals. The final score was 6 – 2 to Wisbech Saint Mary which didn’t reflect the had work Deeping put into the first half but hats off to Wisbech who were worthy winners and finished the stronger of the two teams.
Deeping started well having gained confidence from the previous match and not fearing the power and strength of Wisbech St Mary. Early interplay between Captain Zac Allen, James Moten and Josh Cameron looked to be paying off, forcing an early corner. Cameron whipped in a great corner to the back post where it was cleared by Wisbech to the feet of Toby Heavens whose shot skewed towards Morten who swivelled and shot just over the bar.
Deeping had their defence, made up of Allen, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker and Rhys Young, high up the pitch squeezing Wisbech back into their own half. Applying the pressure it did not look long before Deeping would find their range but it was Wisbech that struck first, picking up a high ball which had been cleared up field and lobbing the stranded Deeping Keeper Callum Ward-Jones. 1- 0 Wisbech Saint Mary.
Deeping kicked off with vigour and great passion in their eyes looking for the equaliser, Morten receiving the ball from William Greenwood, saw the run from Heavens wide on the left and slotted an excellently weighted ball into his path. Heavens pushed the ball beyond the last defender and charged the goal shooting low and hard but too close to the keeper.
The next Deeping move came down the right with Cameron finding Ryan Wilkinson who playing the front man in the 4-5-1 formation. Wilkinson used his strength and speed to get himself into a 1 on 1 with the keeper but his shot was saved by the keeper.
Deeping continued the pressure with Cameron floating a ball in from the corner spot to Greenwood, who unleashed a powerful shot just wide of the post. James Dorward positioned himself in the right spot to intercept the goal kick; he swung the ball out wide to Cameron who was being supported by Greenwood forcing a corner. These three used the traditional triangle to move the ball up field but were halted by the Wisbech defence.
The ball was won back by Lythgoe and fell to the feet of Parker who saw Cameron was still in an advanced position, put one over the top. Cameron took the ball in his stride and fired a textbook shot across the keeper and into the net. 1- 1
Deeping continued the pressure but the Wisbech team had also stepped up a gear since the equaliser. Jack Baxter replaced Wilkinson up front who had been injured and soon went in search of a goal linking up with Greenwood.
Wisbech’s second goal was a well-worked move down the left with a high cross into the box met by the head of the Wisbech striker high and wide into Deepings goal. 2- 1 Wisbech Saint Mary.
Deeping immediately applied the pressure but paid the price of their defence who had strayed too far inside the Wisbech half by a counter attack from Wisbech’s number 7 who had been kept quite for most of the half. He finished clinically giving Ward-Jones no chance. 3 – 1 Wisbech.
The deficit could have been beyond Deeping as they went into the break if it wasn’t for the quick feet and hands of Ward Jones diving to push another shot past the post and standing tall to see a penalty go high over the bar.
The second half commenced with George Hick and Patrick Brown coming on for Dorward and Heavens. Wisbech started the brighter of the two teams but Deeping made the most of a failed attack with Cameron picking the ball up inside the Deeping half and beating his marker before passing the ball towards Baxter and Brown. Brown picked the ball up and ran at the defenders using his pace to ease past them and firing the ball into the back of the net. 3- 2
Brown was involved in the next sortie, spraying the ball out wide on the right having received it from Allen deep inside the Deeping half. Cameron drove in on goal but saw his shot wide of the goal.
Hick got in on the action supplying an excellent ball to Baxter who shot wide of the near post. The Wisbech team again upped the pace, being spurred on by the coach forcing Ward Jones to make a number of saves keeping Deeping in the tie.
It was Hick again who took the pass from Morten, controlled and spread it to Brown who in turn release Baxter who looked to have the better of the defender only to be stopped in a hard challenge which saw him fall awkwardly on his hand and had to leave the field with a broken wrist.
The Deeping team had begun to tire and started to give away possession to Wisbech who pressed home their advantage to score their 4th. Deeping had no response and the heads started to drop both from fatigue and frustration.
Deeping continued to battle but were being hemmed in by the Wisbech team who were finishing with more energy and looked relaxed with the 2 goal advantage. With the game coming to a close Wisbech made it 5 with a well worked goal down the right and 6 with a super strike from a free kick just out side the penalty area.
Although the game finished 6 – 2 Deeping showed great fight and determination in the first half and will be looking to build on this performance in the next game against league leaders Bourne Red.
Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, Zac Allen, Rhys Young, James Morten, James Dorward, William Greenwood, Patrick Brown, George Hick, Joshua Cameron, Toby Heavens, Ryan Wilkinson, Jack Baxter.
08.03.09
Bourne Blue 1 v Deeping Rangers 4
Deeping Rangers continued their improvement with the best team performance of the season so far, putting 4 past Bourne Blue. With goals from the 2 centre backs and a solid performance from Rhys Young and Captain Zac Allen to ensure that Bourne were unable to respond.
Deeping settled into the game immediately and started to apply pressure to the home team making use of the wind at their backs. The first foray began down the left with Young linking up with Toby Heavens who passed the ball inside to James Dorward who spotted the run of Ryan Wilkinson and fizzed the ball to his feet. Wilkinson pushed on goal-wards and was a yard wide with a low and hard shot.
Zac Allen playing his first game as captain was making the most of the wind with his long throws finding the feet of Heavens who made several incisive runs infield from his wide position.
Bourne struggled to cope with Rangers’ strong midfield and nippy forwards who made the most of the conditions and the away team looked comfortably in control for most of the opening 15 minutes. But it was the home team who drew first blood against the run of play when they caught Rangers high up the field in another attack. Bourne seized the chance for the long ball through the middle of the field and caught Ward-Jones and central defender Lythgoe off their guard. Keeper Ward-Jones was quick to respond and raced out to close down the advancing strikers but was just a fraction late in his arrival at the ball and could only look on as Deeping old-boy, Fountain rounded him and slotted the ball into the back of the net. 1- 0 Bourne, against the run of play.
Deeping responded with great resolve and once again camped in the Bourne half looking for a way through their resolute defence. And within 4 minutes of the opening goal, Deeping drew level when Morten was grounded just inside the Bourne half. The resulting free kick from William Greenwood was high and deep into the Bourne defence who tried to clear but the ball fell nicely for Wilkinson who clinically lifted the ball over the keeper into the back of the net. 1-1.
With Deeping tails up they began push on and George Hick started to see more and more of the ball. He picked up the ball from a Greenwood clearance and played Wilkinson in for a well-executed goal only to see the flag on the far side raised as the well-organised Bourne back four held their line.
Unperturbed, and buoyed by their dominance in the opening exchanges Deeping kept Bourne in their own half with the midfield duo of Dorward and Morten supported by Lythgoe and Greenwood ensuring that Ward-Jones had little to do. Lythgoe was consistently first to the ball, and using his pace and drive to win it back and push it out wide to Josh Cameron and Heavens on the wings. And it was Lythgoe who pushed the visitors ahead when he spotted the Bourne keeper off his line and sweetly shot from the half way line. The ball looped high, bounced once and skipped over the keeper into the back of the net. 2- 1 Deeping.
Deeping continued the pressure down the right with Cameron being fed by Allen linking up with Hick forcing corners from the Bourne defence and Hick having another goal disallowed for offside. The pressure and passion from Deeping was keeping the crowd on their toes as they applauded a great move from Cameron to Morten who slipped the ball passed the defenders to leave Wilkinson wide one on one with the keeper, who dived early but was able to tip the ball passed the post.
Deeping rained down shots from Cameron, Hick and Wilkinson who saw the keeper match their strikes with saves, clearing one from off of the line to keep the score at 2-1 going into half time.
The second half started with personnel changes, Jacob Parker on in the centre of defence and Greenwood moving up into the position vacated by Dorward in midfield. Bourne started the quicker of the two teams and Callum was called into action early on. Keeping his composure and releasing the ball quickly he managed to put Greenwood into an excellent position, he controlled the ball with ease, turning his marker to shoot low and hard, making the keeper scramble to smother the ball.
Parker who had witnessed Lythgoes’ excellent first half goal tried his luck with a shot from just inside the Bourne half but with the wind against him the ball dropped slightly short and was picked out of the air by the keeper with an outstanding one handed save.
At this point Patrick Brown was brought into the battle replacing Hick up front and Jackson Andrews onto the left to give Heaven’s a rest. Brown got stuck in and tried to release Cameron, but the ball was intercepted by the Bourne defence and cleared to the feet of Parker. Not being put off by his early attempt he decided to have another go, and judging the trajectory and wind resistance with military precision he struck the ball sweetly into the top of the net putting Deeping 2 up resolving some of the nerves from the far touchline.
Soon after the restart, Wilkinson was forced off due to injury to be replaced by the refreshed Doward who took up a midfield position, with Greenwood being moved into attack.
Bourne began to gamble and pushed players forward but they were consistently repelled by the Deeping defence with Young and Allen forcing the attacks back and Parker and Lythgoe an impenetrable wall in front of Ward-Jones.
Deeping were hit by further injury when Andrews pulled up with a leg injury and was replaced by Heavens, and Dorward made way for Hick to keep the energy levels up.
Brown and Hick clicked and with Brown playing some nice football releasing Hick into the box and receiving the return to be clattered by the Bourne defender. Brown gingerly getting to his feet to see the referee wave away claims for a penalty.
Brown and Hick continued the pressure with Cameron down the right. With another long throw against the wind by Allen, he launched the ball down the line to Hick who played the ball to the feet of Morten with his back to goal. Morten controlled the pass and found Cameron calling for the ball 20 yards from goal. Cameron on his weaker left foot unleashed the ball high and wide and the keeper had no chance. 4 –1 Deeping.
This was great team effort, which saw Jason Lythgoe pick up man of the match voted for by the Parents and Coaches Dave Dorward and Dougy Lythgoe rewarded for their direction, strategy and enthusiasm which was clearly seen across the faces of the smiling Deeping team as they left the field worthy victors.
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe (man of the match), Jacob Parker, Zachary Allen (Captain), Rhys Young, James Morten, James Dorward, William Greenwood, Patrick Brown, George Hick, Joshua Cameron, Toby Heavens, Jackson Andrews, Ryan Wilkinson.
01.03.09
PSV Juniors 0 v Deeping Rangers 2
Deeping kept their 2nd clean sheet of the season but were made to work for their victory against a physical PSV side.
Deeping started well with early pressure being applied by the centre of midfield duo of James Morten and James Dorward pushing balls through to Jack Baxter and George Hick up front. Their first foray into the opposition danger zone was created by Morten who flicked on a clearance by William Greenwood into the path of Baxter who tried his luck from 20 yards, but the shot failed to trouble the home custodian.
Greenwood was playmaker again for the next attack when he switched the play to Josh Cameron who battled down the right shoulder to shoulder with the defender to swing the ball in for Baxter who shot just wide.
As the half wore on, Greenwood forged forward in support of his midfield and almost created the first goal when he pushed a great ball to George Hick who turned, controlled it and fed through Cameron who stormed the goal only to be stopped by the diving keeper.
The first half ended 0 – 0 which was a fair reflection of the two team’s performances with PSV just edging the game and looking to capitalise on Deeping mistakes.
The second half saw a number of tactical substitutions and change in formation. Ryan Wilkinson and Jacob Parker replaced James Morten and Patrick Brown, with Parker slotting into the back four and Greenwood moving into midfield.
This change enabled Greenwood to command the midfield and he nearly broke the deadlock when he linked up with Dorward to drive through towards goal but the keeper made a good save.
Callum Ward-Jones who had a fairly uneventful game up until this point was drawn into making a save as PSV worked the ball deep in the Deeping half, but still the scores remained level.
PSV continued to ask questions of the away defence but Zac Allen, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker and Rhys Young stood firm and despite 2 or 3 longs balls over the top which were a match for Lythgoe’s speed the home side never really looked like scoring.
With 10 minutes to go and neither team looking to finish the victor, Coach Dave Dorward brought on Morten for the exhausted Hick who had run himself ragged in attack.
It took the team a little while to settle to the new formation with Morten playing in attack but the team seemed to be lifted by the changes and soon began to make the late pressure count. PSV were pegged back into their own half and Baxter and Cameron started to find their shooting boots again.
A long ball cleared from defence was controlled by Baxter to Greenwood who placed an excellent pass for Baxter to control, compose himself and then unleash a great shot into the far corner of the net, settling the nerves of the players, coaches and parents. 1- 0 Deeping.
With their heads up and memories of the way they lost in the previous week Deeping continued to apply the pressure with the midfield finding an extra yard of pace. Wilkinson’s tenacity and persistence paid off when he chased down a loose ball on the left and managed to break free of the 2 or 3 players surrounding him. A neat piece of play allowed him to beat the offside trap and he smartly finished the move with a well taken and well deserved goal to put the game beyond PSV. 2- 0 Deeping.
Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, James Dorward, Zac Allen, Rhys Young, James Morten, William Greenwood, Patrick Brown, George Hick, Joshua Cameron, Jack Baxter, Ryan Wilkinson.
22.02.09
Spalding 4 v Deeping Rangers 4 (Spalding won 4-3 on pens)
Deeping missed out on a place in the league cup final losing out to a battling Spalding team who clawed back a 3-goal deficit to win on penalties in an excellent game between these two old rivals.
The first half was an interesting contest with both teams starting with butterflies in their stomachs and the ball flip flopping between the midfields. Deeping settled first after a great solo run by Josh Cameron forcing an early save from the tall Spalding keeper.
Jimmy Morten, George Hick and Jack Baxter linked up to force another save from the Spalding Keeper. James Dorward started to get into the action and was having an excellent first half supporting the strikers high up the pitch.
Jackson Andrews, Deeping substitute keeper was forced into a number of diving saves as the Spalding team began to find some form and pinned Deeping back in their half. The Deeping team kept up the pressure but were unable to make it pay before half time and the half ended in stalemate, 0 - 0.
Deeping came out for the second half unchanged in formation and personnel and were quick to get stuck in. They forced an early corner, which was swung in from Josh to the near post. The initial threat was cleared by the Spalding defence but it landed on the head of Reece Benson who nodded it back towards goal and on form Dorward unleashed a right footed volley into the corner of the net. 0 – 1 Deeping.
Spalding were a little stunned but got the bit between their teeth and came at Deeping with a wave of shots, but Andrews was a match for getting down quickly to smother and push wide to keep the advantage to Deeping.
The Spalding pressure and persistence paid off with a long range shot from the edge of the 18-yard area which sailed above the outstretched arms of Andrews. 1 – 1.
The loss of the lead spurred the Deeping team on and Dorward continued to battle putting Baxter through who found Cameron who clinically finished in to the far corner. 1 - 2 Deeping. Fast thinking by the Deeping keeper help make the third goal as a long throw which Andrews had been using all game paid off putting Baxter in control running at the defence and took the ricochet from the defender to be one on one with the keeper giving him no chance. 1 – 3 Deeping.
Dorward nearly made it four within a minute of the restart being put through by Morten who was having another good game in the centre of midfield, only to be denied by the on form Spalding Keeper.
Two substitutions of Rhys Young and Toby Heavens for Reece Benson and Patrick Brown had an immediate impact with one of the first touches of the ball from Heavens looping over the Spalding defence and falling to the advancing gallop of Cameron who caught the ball sweetly on the volley to make it 1 – 4 and seemingly put the game beyond Spalding with 10 minutes to go.
Spalding had other ideas and turned the screws on the Deeping midfield who had given everything they had in the tank, forcing the Deeping defence of Zac Allen, Jacob Parker, Jason Lythgoe and Rhys Young to try and repel the advancing Spalding team. Spalding then pushed their midfield and defence higher up the pitch to force Deeping back.
The change in shape and strategy paid off when their advancing striker was pulled down just outside the penalty area and the resulting free kick sailed over the wall and into the top corner to give Spalding just a glimpse of hope. 2 – 4.
Spalding sensed the unease in the Deeping defence and immediately launched another wave of attacks, forcing Deeping further and further back towards their own goal mouth. And the pressure paid off when they clawed another goal back as Deeping failed to clear a loose ball on the edge of the 18 yard box which was fired passed the unsighted Deeping keeper.
After the restart Spalding continued where they left off and were rewarded with an equaliser 3 minutes from time to force extra time.
The 20 minutes of extra time was evenly matched with the Deeping team now composed and playing well again as a unit. Both Baxter and Cameron going close and forcing saves from the keeper. Andrews kept out a late charge from Spalding and Morten was a foot away from giving Deeping the lead when his glancing header went wide of the diving keeper who was relieved to see it go past the post for a goal kick.
The penalty shoot out became a lottery with Joshua Cameron, Zac Allen, Reece Benson, Jack Baxter and Jason Lythgoe bravely volunteering for the job.
Unfortunately for Deeping the Spalding Keeper was on form to keep out 2 of the 5 Deepings penalties resulting in a disappointing end to a thrilling cup final with Spalding taking the spoils.
After the game, Deeping Manager, Dave Dorward said, “To lose in this manner is hard to take for my players and myself. The game was ours with just 10 minutes of normal time left and all we had to do was tighten up at the back and see the game out. But our inexperience at this level showed and I could see 2 or 3 of my players already had plans for the cup final and completely switched off allowing Spalding to come back into the game. I applaud the 5 lads for having the courage to take penalties and despite their tears they shouldn’t feel too disheartened. Just as we saw in the previous round of the cup when we were on the other side of a smash and grab result against Wisbech St Mary, the game is never over until the final whistle. We still have 9 league games to play so we must quickly learn from this experience and get back into the habit of winning. But credit goes to Adrian Young and his excellent Spalding team. They didn’t give up and always believed in themselves. I wish them the very best of luck in the final against Bourne Reds.”
Deeping Rangers: Jackson Andrews, Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, James Dorward, Zac Allen, Reece Benson, Rhys Young, James Morten, Patrick Brown, George Hick, Joshua Cameron, Jack Baxter, Toby Heavens.
01.02.09
Rippingale Rovers 5 v Deeping Rangers 1
Rippingale got their revenge on Deeping who came up second best today against a strong team who seemed at ease in the difficult winter conditions, passing the ball smoothly and commandingly and netting five to rub salt in the wounds of the Deeping team.
Deeping started well with pressure coming from both Ryan Wilkinson and Jack Baxter being fed by William Greenwood and Patrick Brown. With some slick passing down both flanks it looked like Deeping would take an early lead, but Rippingale had other ideas. They broke from a Deeping attack and quickly got the ball down the left and whipped in a cross, which was met by an excellent header just inside the far post. 1 – 0 Rippingale.
Deeping kicked off and continued to apply pressure but they were being forced wide and failed to penetrate into Rippingale’s 18 yard box. Deeping had many chances with shots from Baxter, Wilkinson, Zac Allen and Greenwood which were all stopped by the on form Rippingale Keeper.
Rippingale broke again with slick passing between the defence, midfield and the strikers. The got passed the Deeping defence too easily and shot at goal, Callum Ward- Jones was unable to gather the ball and a lurking striker had and easy tap into to make it 2- 0 to Rippingale.
Deepings heads did not go down as they persevered through the snow that had begun to fall with James Morten linking up with Josh Cameron who put Baxter clean through on goal only to see his shot inches wide.
With 10 minutes to go Deeping won a corner on the far side, which Cameron fired in to the near post to be met by a signature header from Morten that crossed the line before the keeper could gather it up. 2 –1 Rippingale.
Deeping tried to keep the pressure on but were being penned back by Rippingale who were testing Ward-Jones at every opportunity. It looked evenly balanced with both teams looking to take advantage of the others fatigue.
George Hicks and Jackson Andrews came on to replace Morten and Wilkinson three minutes before the end of the half but the new legs did not have enough time to make a difference.
The second half saw Rippingale take advantage of poor Deeping play. With gaps in midfield and the defence unable to clear the ball, Rippingale passed there way through crossing the ball beyond the Deeping defence into the path of the advancing striker making it 3 – 1 to Rippingale.
The Deeping heads dropped and waves of attacks were unleashed on the Deeping defence and keeper who did his best to keep them out but unfortunately brought the advancing striker down in the penalty area as he skilfully invited the challenge. He stepped up and put the ball beyond the reach of Ward-Jones to make it 4-1 Rippingale.
Rippingale made it 5 –1 soon after finishing of a comfortable win against a Deeping squad who has the capability to match any team in the league but today the determination of the Rippingale team was there undoing.
Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, James Dorward, Zac Allen, Rhys Young, Patrick Brown, James Morten, Patrick Brown, George Hick, James Dorward, William Greenwood , Joshua Cameron, Jack Baxter, Toby Heavens, Jackson Andrews, Ryan Wilkinson.
25.02.09
Deeping Rangers 3 v PSV Juniors 0
Deeping Rangers bounced back from last week’s disappointment to take all three points in a hard fought battle on a very soggy Outgang Rd pitch.
Deeping started the first half strongly with well-worked passing moves down both flanks with Ryan Wilkinson and Jack Baxter making a nuisance of themselves in the PSV box. Wilkinson put several testing balls into the danger zone for Baxter to chase down and with Josh Cameron supporting from the right wing he picked up a sweet pass from Baxter and shot low and hard but the PSV keeper was quick to get down and smother the shot.
Ten minutes in to the game PSV suddenly found their rhythm and started to panic the Deeping midfield. PSV were first to every ball and Deeping gave to much possession away, making it easy for PSV to counter and test Callum Ward-Jones again and again in the Deeping goal. Ward-Jones was on form today and kept a clean sheet which was helped by a well rehearsed and formidable back four of Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, Rhys Young and Zac Allen who worked tirelessly in the muddy conditions with Allen constantly covering his centre backs and making some crucial challenges and Lythgoe with his lightning pace stride for stride with the PSV centre forwards as wave after wave lashed the Deeping shores.
Towards the end of the half Coach Dave Dorward decided to mix things up a little bringing on James Morten and new signing Will Greenwood into the midfield, which steadied the ship, and Deeping started to get a little composure. Then he made a strategic change that silenced the crowd and turned out to be a masterstroke. He substituted striker Wilkinson, who was looking tired in the sticky conditions, for all round utility player Reece Benson.
Benson made an immediate impact working hard to win the ball and then releasing Cameron who forced a good save from the PSV keeper. The formation appeared to be working and Baxter got in on the interplay with Cameron and Benson and went close a few times.
All in all, the balance of play was even at half time with both teams showing promise of a goal or two but with the defences standing their ground.
Deeping came out in the second half with added vigour and it was not too long before their determination paid off. The ball was won by Morten deep in the Deeping half, passed out wide to Greenwood, on to Cameron and then quickly on to Baxter who passed the PSV defence to pull the ball across to Benson who slotted the ball passed the outstretched arm of the PSV keeper. 1 – 0
PSV tried to respond but found they could no longer get through the middle of the pitch as the new midfield partnership of Morten and Greenwood started to pay dividends. Pushing the ball wide PSV played some impressive football but with Toby Heavens and Cameron tackling back and the Deeping solid back four now playing in harmony, PSV didn’t get a chance to trouble the Deeping keeper.
Deeping’s second was very similar in build up from the first with the ball being picked up by the Deeping midfield and Benson working with Cameron to get into a goal scoring position and unleashing a ball across the keeper and into the corner of the net. 2- 0
Deeping upped their game and started wave after wave of attacks with Baxter continually testing the keeper.
Coach Dorward kept the team on their toes switching tired legs for fresh as he looked to see the game out. George Hick rejoined the game mid way through the second period and was instrumental in a move that saw Cameron pass the ball into the feet of Benson who unleashed what should have been his hatrick only to see the flag go up for a close offside call.
The third and final goal was made from James Dorward pushing on from midfield with Hick in support getting into a scrap with the PSV defence who were unable to contain them and forcing the ball off of Dorward, injured in the move to the feet of Baxter who didn’t need asking twice to finish, to get the goal his efforts deserved. 3 – 0.
PSV continued to press but Deeping were not about to give up their first clean sheet of the campaign and in the end finished the game worthy winners.
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, James Dorward, Rhys Young, Zac Allen, Reece Benson, James Morten, William Greenwood, George Hick, Joshua Cameron, Jack Baxter, Toby Heavens, Ryan Wilkinson.
18.01.09
In what was always going to be a close game between two mid-table sides Bourne took all 3 points. Bourne started quickly getting a corner form the first attack of the game and from the resulting corner they scored a deflected goal from a scramble on the penalty spot.
Deeping then stepped up their game and pinned Bourne back in their half for long periods but never managed to penetrate the resolute defending of the away side. Deeping went close several times, the best chance being from a Joshua Cameron corner which Jack Baxter hit the post and then Bourne cleared off the line from the follow up. More pressure from Deeping followed with another corner cleared off the line twice from a Toby Heavens' strike and Jack Baxter following in but the home side still could not force the ball over the line. It looked just a matter of time before Deeping would score as they were dictating the game and Bourne's centre backs were called upon time and time again to halt Deeping attacks, but then half time came.
At the start of the second half the best chance of the game fell in the first minute as Deeping broke and Cameron released Baxter to run at the keeper from the half way line. The Bourne keeper came out to narrow his angles but the ball went just wide of the post. The final 15 minutes of the game descended into a scrappy affair with both teams unable to gain control but neither defences troubled as both midfields looked tired as they struggled to pass and control the ball. Chances were few and far between from then on and Bourne held on to win the game.
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, Rhys Young, Zac Allen, Joshua Cameron, James Dorward, George Hick, Toby Heavens, Jack Baxter, Ryan Wilkinson, James Morten, Patrick Brown
11.01.09
Deeping Rangers go through to the semi finals on penalties after a long and gruelling game on a heavy pitch that saw Deeping 1–0 up with 4 minutes to go only to be thwarted by an excellent Wisbech St Mary side taking the game into a heart stopping 20 minutes of extra time, which saw the pendulum swing firmly in Wisbech’s favour and then swing back to see Deeping through to the last 4.
The first half started brightly on a windy Sunday afternoon with both teams looking to settle into the game. Both teams were finding it hard going with the defences working hard to keep the game at 0-0.
Man of the match, Reece Benson had a stunning first half at left back, getting to the ball first and clearing up any loose balls in his reach. Deeping tried to penetrate down both flanks with Reece linking up with Josh Cameron down the left only to be tackled by a strong right back.
James Dorward and Jimmy Morten were stopping everything coming through the middle with Jacob Parker and Jason Lythgoe holding a deep back line sweeping up the long balls. George Hick replaced Jimmy with 10 minutes of the first half remaining after a late tackle left Jimmy injured and unable to continue.
Toby Heavens continued to battle down the left as much of the Wisbech attacks seemed to be coming his way.
The first half ended goalless which was a reflection of how both the Deeping and Wisbech St Mary’s defences were playing.
Deeping started the 2nd half with great expectation and belief that they could take the game to Wisbech. George Hick picked the ball up from loose play in the Wisbech St Mary half and with some slick play between himself and Jack Baxter they got the ball through to James Dorward who struck clinically in to the corner of the net. 1–0 Deeping.
Wisbech then found another gear and changed their formation to a 3-4-3 in an attempt to push more players forward, but the Rangers defence repelled attack after attack and when they finally broke through the Deeping’s outstanding keeper Callum Ward-Jones pulled of a number of great saves, many at the feet of the speedy Wisbech No 9.
Zac Allen made two superb goal line clearances covering the centre backs as they challenged for the ball to keep Deeping’s chance of the win alive, but in the dying minutes of the second half a high ball over the defence fell to the Wisbech No9 who pushed it passed the diving Callum Ward-Jones forcing the game into extra time.
The first half of extra time was all Wisbech St Mary having just scored before the break it was not long before they penetrated a tiring Deeping Rangers defence to make it 2-1 and within 5 minutes they were 3–1 up and looking to be cruising to victory. Deeping regrouped under the captaincy of Jack Baxter who rallied his team to drive forward and went very close with Patrick Brown hitting the post just before the whistle for the end of the first period of extra time.
The second half of extra time was ticking away and Deeping were finding it difficult to penetrate a very competent Wisbech back four.
Coaches David Dorward and Dougy Lythgoe worked hard to rotate the players in the midfield seeing Jackson Andrews, Toby heavens, James Dorward, Patrick Brown and George Hick all taking their turn at running the length of the pitch to support both strikers and defenders.
George hick who had grown in confidence since coming off the bench slotted a carefully weighted pass into the stride of Jack Baxter who didn’t give the keeper a chance and coolly finished to make it 3-2 to Wisbech St Mary. Touch line nerves and blood pressures were high as Deeping only had 4 minutes to force the game into penalties.
Ryan who had been battling in midfield finally got a chance to get forward and broke through the defence and slotted an excellent ball through to Josh Cameron. The crowd were silent has he pulled the trigger and then erupted in jubilation as the ball nestled in the back of the net. A draw at the end of extra time was a fair result between two hardworking teams who looked exhausted but excited at the prospect of a penalty shoot-out.
The first Wisbech St Mary penalty was saved by a bobbing and weaving Callum Ward-Jones who looked very confident in goal. Deeping Rangers Captain Jack Baxter calmly placed the ball on the spot and then blasted it into the corner of the net to give Deeping the advantage. Callum Ward-Jones again was a match for the second Wisbech penalty taker and saved the shot to ease the raised blood pressure on the sidelines. Next up for Deeping was Jason Lythgoe who coolly stepped up and side footed the ball into the corner of the net making it 2–0 to Deeping Rangers. With the pressure showing on the Wisbech team their third penalty was just the wrong side of the post leaving Deeping only needing one more to advance into the draw for the semi final.
Cool as a cucumber Josh Cameron stepped up to the ball, eyes up the goalkeeper and then unleashed a perfect penalty to wrap up an exhausting and exhilarating game of football which saw the pendulum of victory swing from Deeping, to Wisbech St Mary and then finally back to Deeping Rangers winning 3–0 on penalties.
After the game, Deeping manager Dave Dorward said, “I am so proud of my squad. Every one of them played a massive part in today’s victory. Wisbech are the form team in the area at the moment so to take them to extra time and then beat them on penalties is a great achievement. We now have to put our cup run on hold for a few weeks and start to put the same effort into our league games. We’re sitting in mid table at the moment but need 4 or 5 more wins to make sure we’re completely safe from relegation. But we’re taking this season one game at a time and look forward to getting back into the league programme next week against Bourne Blue.”
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, Jacob Parker, James Dorward, Zac Allen, Reece Benson, James Morten, Patrick Brown, George Hick, Joshua Cameron, Jack Baxter, Toby Heavens, Jackson Andrews, Ryan Wilkinson.
Man of the match: Reece Benson.
14.12.08
Deeping Rangers 2 v Bourne Red 3
Deeping battle courageously in this classic battle of two teams with pace at the front and a well drilled defence. It was an even contest with Bourne Reds finally getting the upper hand in the dying minutes of the game to take all three points.
Both teams were up for this one with Bourne Reds recently netting 9 in their last match and Deeping putting 5 past Sawtry. Bourne were fastest out of the blocks and were challenging for every ball, their pressure soon paid off with a well-deserved goal in the opening 5 minutes.
Deeping did try and mount an immediate response down the left with Patrick Brown putting Jack Baxter through but the strong Bourne back line repelled him once again and it looked like it was going to be a bruising afternoon for Captain Jack Baxter.
Deeping lost James Dorward mid way through the first half to injury, which saw the introduction of George Hick who had an immediate impact on the game challenging for every ball in the centre of the pitch. It was Hick’s through ball, which was headed on by James Morten into the path of Jack Baxter who battled with the defender and then controlled it past the diving goalkeeper to coolly finish in the bottom corner from a difficult angle.
Bourne had already given signs of how dangerous they could be on the counter attack, many a loose ball was picked up by them and with a sweet passing move down the left Bourne were through on goal only to be thwarted by Callum Ward-Jones who made sure he was first to the ball.
The back four of Zac Allen, Jason Lythgoe, Reece Benson and Rhys Young started to get into their stride and were battling hard with an excellent Bourne team who seemed to be first to the ball and were spraying the ball around with such confidence. Reece Benson had an excellent debut and showed great courage and battling sprit from start to finish.
On came Toby Heavens for Patrick Brown, giving additional width on the left. Soon after the change George Hick picked up the ball from a defensive clearance from Reece Benson and slotted an excellent weighted pass through to Ryan Wilkinson who pushed the ball on and fired into the net giving the Bourne keeper no chance.
Bourne came out after the break with added verve and determination and this soon forced Deeping into making a number of mistakes, which eventually ended with Bourne, clean through on goal finishing with cool precision, past the outstretched hand of Callum Ward-Jones.
At 2-2 it looked as if it could go either way with Deeping putting a long ball over the Bourne defence for Josh Cameron who had tirelessly worked in attack and defence all game to take the ball past 2 defenders only to be thwarted by the Bourne goalkeeper and then George Hick going close soon after.
James Dorward came on to take up a defensive midfield position replacing George Hick who had an excellent game since coming on in the first half. It looked as though it was going to be a well-earned draw with Deeping keeping the waves of Bourne attack at bay but in the dying minutes of the game Bourne broke through the Deeping defence and slotted the ball into the Deeping net. The Deeping team tried to respond but were beaten by the clock and the Bourne defence that was not going to let its lead go without a fight.
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, James Dorward, Zac Allen, James Morten, George Hick, Rhys Young, Joshua Cameron, Jackson Andrews, Jack Baxter, Toby Heavens, Reece Benson, Patrick Brown, Ryan Wilkinson.
30.11.08
Deeping Rangers 5 v Sawtry Colts Blue 1
Baxter hits 4 as Deeping maintain winning ways
Rangers welcomed Sawtry to Outgang Road on a cold and windswept late autumn afternoon in this first division mid-table clash.
And Deeping laid down their claim to all 3 points as early as the first minute when Toby Heavens threaded a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Joshua Cameron who broke through the Sawtry defence and slotted home the first goal of the afternoon.
Shortly afterwards, Jack Baxter scored the first of his 4 with a well crafted solo run down the right wing, finishing with an unstoppable shot into the top left corner from an almost impossible angle on the by-line.
The half ended with a penalty for each team, Deeping’s scored by Captain Jack Baxter and Sawtry’s scored by Ellis Howe.
A half time cup of hot chocolate gave Deeping the strength to see out the game with a great display of passing football as the game opened up with Sawtry seeking a way back into the match. However, the Deeping defence gave their keeper Callum Ward-Jones a very easy afternoon as they thwarted every attack from the away team. Baxter finished the afternoon with 2 more well taken goals after some superb passages of play from the whole of the Deeping team.
Rangers Manager, Dave Dorward said “I’m really pleased to see my team battling hard and working as a complete unit to break teams down. In the last 3 games we have won, but we’ve made hard work of it because we’ve struggled to finish teams off. But today we were fantastic throughout the team and thoroughly deserved all 3 points. We’re still learning the game at this level so we’re not getting carried away – to use an age old cliché, we’re taking it one game at a time. And it doesn’t come any harder than next week’s game away at Stamford Town who we last played in August when we beat them to lift the Deeping 11’s trophy. Another result like that would be great.”
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, James Dorward, Zac Allen, James Morten, George Hick, Rhys Young, Joshua Cameron, Jackson Andrews, Jack Baxter, Toby Heavens, Jacob Parker.
16.11.08
Deeping Rangers 3 v Yaxley Yellows 2
Rangers carried on from last week with another solid performance over division 2 leaders Yaxley Yellows in the 2nd round of the U11 knock-out cup.
The visitors travelled to Outgang Rd with a 100% record so far this season but soon found the going tough as Deeping spent most of the first period camped deep in their half.
Hick, Baxter, Andrews & Cameron all went extremely close and but for the excellent Yellows keeper and some poor finishing, Rangers could have been out of sight by half time. But it was Yaxley who took the lead against the run of play when their star man West, swung in a stinging cross from the left which was cruelly deflected off a Deeping defender for an own goal. The home team responded well to going behind but ended the half trailing 0-1 despite some good play from Morten and Cameron.
Half time saw a change in personnel for Deeping and the impact was immediate as Dorward slipped a perfectly weighted pass through the Yaxley defence which Baxter coolly slotted past the advancing keeper.
At 1-1 Rangers were in the ascendancy and within 5 minutes they made their possession count when they doubled their goal tally. Brown & Heavens unlocked the Yellows midfield with a text book one two and sent Wilkinson through to a one on one with the keeper. Wilkinson kept his head and fired the ball into the net to deservedly put the home team in front.
With the score at 2-1 it was one-way traffic as Deeping looked to make sure of their quarter final berth, and with 15 minutes left on the clock Baxter eased the home nerves when he scored his second of the day. Wilkinson could have scored 2 or 3 more as Deeping turned up the heat but it was Yaxley who scored the last goal of the game when they were awarded a penalty for a slight tug on West’s shirt on the edge of the goal area. West blasted the ball from the penalty spot and the referee judged it to have crossed the line as it came off the underside of the bar, hit the ground and bounced out into the arms of Deeping keeper Ward-Jones.
Deeping held on to the lead in the last 5 minutes and despite the narrow margin of victory, never really looked like losing the game. The back four of Young, Lythgoe, Parker & Allen were magnificent all afternoon and dealt with virtually everything thrown at them which gave keeper Ward-Jones little to do. The Deeping midfield are also starting to find their rhythm and their one and two touch play makes it very difficult for the opposition to defend against them. Next week sees a return to the league with a tricky fixture for Deeping at runaway league leaders Wisbech St Mary, but they go into the game full of confidence and with a great team spirit which should make for a much tighter game than when the teams last met on the opening day of the season.
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, James Dorward, Zac Allen, James Morten, George Hick, Rhys Young, Joshua Cameron, Jackson Andrews, Jack Baxter, Ryan Wilkinson, Toby Heavens, Jacob Parker, Patrick Brown.
09.11.08
Whittlesey Blue 3 v Deeping Rangers 4
Rangers travelled to Whittlesey for their first away game of the season and walked away with their second win of the season, but they were made to work for it by a tough tackling and physical Whittlesey Blue side.
For the second week on the bounce Deeping started brightly and took the lead on 5 minutes when Baxter stabbed a right footed shot home from the edge of the area after a lovely through ball down the left from Andrews.
Deeping kept the pressure on and if it wasn’t for the great play from the home keeper they could have been 4 or 5 up before the break. The home side had a couple of chances to grab a goal but Ward-Jones in the Deeping goal made good saves and held a good position at important times.
Rangers started well in the second half and were soon 2-0 up when Brown & Dorward combined well in midfield to thread a pass into space for Cameron to run onto and score his first goal of the season.
At 2-0 the away side should have cruised to a victory, but they allowed Whittlesey back into the game when they failed to clear a loose ball and Hollyoak poked it through a crowded goal mouth and underneath an outstretched Ward-Jones.
Deeping then composed themselves and Brown could have restored the 2 goal advantage but the home keeper yet again made a good save. Dorward also had a shot from just outside the box and again pulled a great save out of the Whittlesey man-of-the-match. However the 3rd away goal did finally come when Baxter pounced on a ball and sprinted from the half way line to finish in the right hand corner.
Whittlesey then had a late surge and scored twice in 6 minutes to set up a nail biting last 5 minutes. The first from a mistake in the Deeping back 4 to allow Woodhouse through and the second from a 25 yard free kick from Bull that took a deflection and floated past Ward-Jones. With the scores balanced at 3-3 both sides had chances to grab all 3 points but it was Rangers who showed great character when Hick played a ball from the centre of the pitch out the right for Cameron to collect and power home into the left corner.
This was a thrilling game for the neutral to watch with plenty of goal mouth action and two good footballing sides battling it out on a cold and windy autumn morning. But Deeping have now managed to pull themselves into the middle of the league table and with games in hand over the teams above and around them, they will be hoping to keep the momentum going in a busy run up to Christmas and beyond.
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, James Dorward, Zac Allen, James Morten, George Hick, Rhys Young, Joshua Cameron, Jackson Andrews, Jack Baxter, Ryan Wilkinson, Toby Heavens, Jacob Parker, Patrick Brown.
02.11.08
Deeping Rangers 3 v Rippingale Rovers 2
Deeping’s season finally took off on this damp autumn afternoon in a bottom of the table clash against Rippingale Rovers.
Understandably, with neither team winning a game yet this season it was a nervous start, but Deeping took early control and should have put the game beyond the visitors within 10 minutes.
The woodwork took a hammering from the word go and it looked like it would be “one of those days” when we’d struggle to get going.
Rippingale took the lead on 20 minutes when Deeping failed to clear their lines and allowed Durrant time to take aim from 18 yards and float a ball high over Callum’s head.
The goal did nothing to dampen Deeping’s enthusiasm and they were soon on level terms when James picked up on a loose ball 6 yards out and hammered it home.
At halftime with the scores level at 1-1 the away team must have been the happier as they had spent most of the 30 minutes defending deep in their own half – if the home side had found the net with every shot on goal they would have been well out of sight by now.
Deeping came out where they left off and Ryan soon put Deeping ahead with a goal directly from the Rippingale kick-off – surely Deeping could build on the lead and take the pressure off themselves?
A change of personnel saw Patrick making his league debut and he almost scored with his first foray into the opposition half, but saw his shot drift inches wide of the left upright.
Rangers then invited Rippingale back into the game by defending deep and gifting them far too much possession. And Rippingale made the most of this lack of confidence with several attacks that could easily have resulted in goals – the best being a goal mouth scramble that was cleared off the line by Rhys, playing at left back for the first time since the departure of Tom Smith.
Ryan then doubled his tally and took the score to 3-1, but again Rippingale didn’t give up and scored what was thankfully the last goal of the game on 55 minutes with a great long range dipping lob by Roberts.
This was a well deserved first victory of the season for Deeping Rangers, but they will have to learn to kill games off with more composure if they are to make a run of wins and move into the top half of the table.
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Jason Lythgoe, James Dorward, Zac Allen, James Morten, George Hick, Rhys Young, Joshua Cameron, Jackson Andrews, Jack Baxter, Ryan Wilkinson, Toby Heavens, Jacob Parker, Patrick Brown.
12.10.08
Deeping Rangers 2 v Yaxley Whites 3
Deeping worked hard in this tense and even game but eventually came up short against Yaxley Whites.
Yaxley pressed from the first minute and put the Deeping back line under tremendous pressure with attack after attack, but Rangers defended well and thanks to several well timed tackles from Jason they managed to weather the storm.
Slowly but surely, Deeping pulled themselves into the game and took the lead on 21 minutes. With Tom down injured deep in his own half the referee allowed the game to continue and while the Yaxley players switched off, Deeping broke forward with Jack picking up on a long ball and coolly slotting it past a stationary keeper.
The remainder of the half was even as both teams had chances and near misses.
Yaxley started the second half brightly again, but Deeping looked to be holding their own and threatened to score on the counter attack as Yaxley pushed high up the pitch in search of the equaliser. And it was the home side that should have extended their lead when Joshua crossed a powerful low ball in from the right which zipped passed everyone and found Jackson un-marked at the far post but his legs weren’t quite long enough to put the ball over the line.
Yaxley got their break with 20 minutes of the game remaining when a mix up in the Deeping defence saw James’ attempted clearance slip between Callum and the post. Yaxley then had the bit between their teeth and sensed the unease throughout the Deeping team and pressured them further. And it wasn’t long before their persistence paid off as they scored 2 quick goals to take a 3-1 advantage into the last 10 minutes.
Deeping managed to grab a second goal with Jack heading in from close range after a great corner from Josh and the honours should have been shared when a goal was wrongly disallowed for offside in the dying minutes.
Yaxley deserved the 3 points today because they looked more determined than the Deeping players who continue to wait for every loose ball to come to them and always allow the opposition to be first to the challenge. Unless Deeping can quickly get out of this habit of being “too nice” on the field they are going to continue to struggle in the top flight of the Junior Alliance.
The fixture list hasn’t been kind to Rangers with postponements and cancellations meaning they have now only played 2 games where most of the others above them have played 4 or 5 but that can’t be used as an excuse for the performances. With another 3 week gap before their next league game away at fellow division 1 strugglers, Rippingale Rovers, Deeping must work hard on and off the training pitch to get back into winning ways.
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Tom Smith, Jason Lythgoe, James Dorward, Zac Allen, James Morten, George Hick, Rhys Young, Joshua Cameron, Jackson Andrews, Jack Baxter, Ryan Wilkinson, Toby Heavens, Jacob Parker.
14.09.08
Grantham Town FC 3 v Deeping Rangers 1 (Friendly Game)
Rangers pulled their socks up after last week’s disappointing display to put in a great performance against without doubt the best football side we have encountered on our travels over the past few years.
With no subs and playing on an adult sized pitch the lads pulled up their socks and showed the same determination to play good football that we saw 4 weeks ago at the tournament. They tackled, ran, passed and worked like they do in training sessions, and it was a pleasure to see them all playing with smiles on their faces.
Noted performances were: Tom – a rock as always; Jacob – tackled and hassled all match and gave very little away to the nippy GTFC forwards; Josh – another fine display on the right; Toby – good support work on the left; James – good link up play going forward and backwards; Jackson – worked hard all game in an unfamiliar and difficult role; Jason – one of his best performances as an U11 player; Callum – numerous brave saves at the feet of the quick GTFC players; Zac – covered every blade of grass supporting the forward play and tracking back to thwart the GTFC advances; George – Mr consistent and dependable as usual; Jimmy – intelligent passing and link up play with the whole team.
However, a word of warning; there’s little point in putting in performances like this in friendly games and then freezing up in the league matches – these 11 need to turn up next Sunday with the same fire in their bellies so we can get our season on track.
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Tom Smith, Jason Lythgoe, James Dorward, Zac Allen, James Morten, George Hick, Joshua Cameron, Jackson Andrews, Toby Heavens, Jacob Parker.
07.09.08
Deeping Rangers 3 v Wisbech St Mary 10
Deeping crashed down to earth with a lesson in how to play football from a physical but fair WSM team.
WSM were physically & mentally stronger in every department and Deeping paid for their poor composure with a nervy display which was a million miles away from their demolition of Yaxley Whites 3 weeks ago in the semi final of the 11’s tournament.
Highlights of the game were goals from Jack, Jackson, and Ryan, as well as some great corners from Josh. Callum made a couple of brave stops at the feet of the pacey WSM forwards and Jimmy & George put in some good challenges in the midfield.
We now have a break from the league fixtures, allowing us to play a friendly against Grantham Town on 14th September. Hopefully this, along with two training sessions will give us the belief and confidence back to compete against Stamford Town who visit Outgang Rd on 21st September.
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Tom Smith, Jason Lythgoe, James Dorward, Ethan Gale, Zac Allen, James Morten, George Hick, Rhys Young, Joshua Cameron, Jackson Andrews, Jack Baxter, Ryan Wilkinson, Toby Heavens, Jacob Parker.
17.08.08
Deeping Triumph at the Deeping 11’s Tournament
Deeping Rangers U11 beat all-comers to lift their first trophy as an 11-a-side squad at the Deeping 11’s Invitational Tournament on Sunday.
A mixture of Division 1, 2 & 3 teams gathered on an unusually dry & warm day to pit their wits against each other ahead of their first season as 11-a-side teams and Deeping came out on top despite some very strong opposition.
2 teams from Yaxley, plus a team from Powerleague, Stamford, Oundle, Rippingale battled it out in testing conditions as first the sun beat down and then the wind whistled through Outgang Rd, but the home team outclassed them all and fully deserved their winners medals.
The day started well with a 3-0 win over Powerleague. This was followed by an 8-0 win over Oundle Juniors and then a 1-1 draw with Yaxley Yellows. Yaxley Whites were then the semi-final opponents who were brushed away with a superb 5-1 victory for the home side. Deeping Rangers then rounded off a fantastic day of football with a narrow 2-1 win in the final over Stamford Town.
Manager, Dave Dorward, said “This was a great warm up for the coming season. My lads really rose to the challenge and have really buckled down in training over the past few weeks to prove to themselves that they are capable of competing at the highest level. There were no easy games today with everyone still very much in the early stages of their 11-a-side careers but my lads looked so composed and easy on the ball that they fully deserved their trophy and medals. Every single player excelled today and it is impossible to choose a player of the tournament. But, special mention must go to Callum Ward-Jones who was outstanding in goal, Joshua Cameron who scored an amazing hattrick in the semi-final and Captain Jack Baxter who led from the front and scored two very important penalties in the final.”
Rangers now have a rest before training starts in a couple of week’s time ahead of their U11 season opener against Wisbech St Mary on 7th September.
Deeping Rangers: Callum Ward-Jones, Tom Smith, Jason Lythgoe, James Dorward, Ethan Gale, Zac Allen, James Morten, George Hick, Rhys Young, Joshua Cameron, Jackson Andrews, Jack Baxter, Ryan Wilkinson.