Sunday 11th January 2009
Peterborough & District Junior Alliance League
Under 14 Division 1
Deeping Rangers 5 - 0 Wisbech St Mary Purple
Early in the season Deeping went to Wisbech and were undone
by the physical, direct style of play employed by the fenmen. Today's
return fixture saw the champions deliver a clear message that they are still
the top team in this division and aren't going to be giving up that title
anytime soon.
Proud Deeping manager Nigel Reeve was delighted with the
performance "I thought the lads were absolutely superb today. After
losing earlier in the season at Wisbech 3-0, they really had a point to prove
today."
"Tactically we were spot on today, with 2 or 3 really
well worked goals. I would go as far as saying that was their most
complete performance so far as an 11-a-side team."
"A loss today would have spelt the end of our title
chances but this result has put us right back in it and there's everything
still to play for."
The home side lined up with a 4-4-2 formation with Luke
Gasson taking his place between the sticks. The back four saw Jamie Reeve
and Dan Lipscombe at full backs. Neither of these converted wingers are
the biggest but were simply outstanding in the physical battles they faced
today.
Sol Boyer and Ryan Levin formed a solid centre of defence
and completed a back line that not only kept a clean sheet but didn't allow a
single shot on target all game for the most physical forward line they are
likely to meet.
The revitalised Matt Burdock lined up on the right side of
midfield with the hard working and ever dependable Harrison Sadler on the left.
Pearce Westley produced his usual non-stop performance with Ryan Bird
alongside him, always looking to hurt the opposition with his clever passing.
Up front Lewis Jackson and Matt Sparrow have quickly formed
a partnership that looks full of goals and gives defenders no time to settle.
As usual Wisbech packed the midfield, looking for their
front men to hold the ball up to allow the midfield to get forward and support.
Deeping were content to sit a little deeper and soak up the long balls,
always knowing their pace and quick tidy passing would create chances on the
counter attack.
The first goal came from a Matt Sparrow corner. Lewis
Jackson rising highest but unable to direct his header goalwards. Sol
Boyer worked hard to stop the Wisbech defence clearing and the ball broke to
Harrison Sadler, on the edge of the box , who had enough strength and presence
on mind under pressure to roll the ball back to Ryan Bird who hit a sweet
curling effort into the top corner of the net.
Almost immediately Deeping went 2-0 up with a goal which was
a perfect snapshot of the game and the way these two teams play. Wisbech
had possession inside the Deeping half and were looking to drive forward
through the middle. First Ryan Levin and then Ryan Bird won strong
fifty-fifty challenges allowing Ryan Bird to toe the ball wide left into Lewis
Jackson. Lewis had a quick look over his shoulder and slipped the ball
down the line into Matt Sparrow. Matt had time to turn inside and deliver
a perfectly weighted angled pass into the path of Matt Burdock who needed just
one touch to slide it past the keeper.
Half time came without further score and Wisbech, as
expected, began the second half strongly but without variation and this just
played into Deeping's hands.
The third goal came as a result of tireless running and
closing down by the midfield and forwards. Matt Sparrow troubled the
keeper and defenders enough for them to make a mess of collecting a loose ball.
With the defence desperately trying and failing to clear the ball found
it's way across the box to the the feet of Connor Pilbeam who had come on the
right hand side of midfield, and he made no mistake beating the keeper and
clearly enjoyed putting one past his former teammates.
It was the pace and trickery of Matt Sparrow that created
confusion again in the Wisbech back line for the fourth. Another quick
break saw him beat two defenders but his cross went beyond the far post.
Pearce Westley though had made up the ground though and did well not only
to keep the ball in play but to also lay it back to Harrison Sadler who found
Lewis Jackson just inside the box. Lewis spun and hit the ball first time
and the keeper could only parry the shout out into the path of Connor Pilbeam,
who stood alone in the box to claim his second of the game.
By this time the Wisbech heads had dropped and the defence
was in disarray. Connor Pilbeam capped an impressive second half display
by taking a quick throw, releasing Matt Sparrow to cross again from the right.
This time finding Lewis Jackson in the box for his first and the teams
fifth of the game.
To those that have seen the Deeping performances over the
last few games may not have been totally surprised by the score line. It
was a superb disciplined squad performance backed by a spirit that few clubs
can match. Charlie Venables, Tom Hutton, Hayden Errico and Marcus Howard
all appeared as second half substitutes and in a fast, physical game did
well to pick up the pace and like the others, win their individual battles.
Deeping now go into the second half of the season knowing
that their destiny is once more in their own hands. With seven games
remaining and all but one of those against teams in the bottom half of the
table they will be focused on retaining their title.
Deeping Rangers: Luke Gasson, Jamie Reeve, Sol Boyer, Ryan
Levin, Dan Lipscombe, Matt Burdock, Pearce Westley, Ryan Bird, Harrison Sadler,
Lewis Jackson, Matt Sparrow Subs:
Charlie Venables, Connor Pilbeam, Hayden Errico, Tom Hutton, Marcus Howard
Sunday 30th November 2008
Peterborough & District
Junior Alliance League Under 14 Division 1
Deeping Rangers 5 - 0 Wisbech Saint Mary Yellow
Deeping completed the double over Wisbech Yellow,
comfortably winning 5-0 at a cold Outgang Road, with a very composed
performance. The win leaves Deeping 7 points behind the leaders, with 2
games in hand, a position the champions will be happy with at this stage of the
season.
Manager Nigel Reeve said
afterwards "We produced a solid performance, with some excellent spells of
football. The only slight criticism I could have would be our failure to
convert a larger percentage of the chances we created".
Starting with a 4-4-2 line up, Luke
Gasson took his place between the sticks, Matt Burdock and Charlie Venables
starting at full back. Tom Hutton lined up beside new signing Ryan Bird.
In midfield Connor Pilbeam and Dan Lipscombe got the nod to start out
wide, with Ryan Levin and Pearce Westley filling the central roles. Matt
Sparrow and Lewis Jackson formed the front line.
The majority of teams come
to Outgang Road with the intention of defending but in both meetings
between these teams this season, Wisbech Yellow have tried to play football.
It's an ideology that should be commended and although they haven't had
success against Deeping, it's an approach that should see them comfortably
cement their place in the top division.
The first chance of the game came
six minutes in when Pearce Westley met an early corner but saw his header
bounce off the top of the bar. Just two minutes later though and Lewis
Jackson made the breakthrough. Dan Lipscombe retrieved a poor clearance
on the left and played it back where Pearce Westley crossed towards the box.
The Wisbech defence failed to meet the cross and it fell to Connor
Pilbeam who immediately squared the ball back across goal and into the path of
Lewis Jackson, who's right footed finish found the bottom corner.
There were further chances to
extend the lead but Wisbech Yellow have possibly one of the better keepers in
the division and he made a string of fine saves throughout the game to keep the
score down.
Matt Sparrow finally doubled the
lead after twenty minutes, seizing on a poor goal kick and beating both
defender and keeper the ball by sliding his shot into the corner. Wisbech
thought they had equalised three minutes earlier but saw a good finish ruled
out for offside.
On twenty five minutes, Lewis
Jackson grabbed his second and Deeping's third of the half. Matt Burdock
winning the ball just inside the Wisbech half and then sliding it into the
channel, where Matt Sparrow crossed for his strike partner to beat the keeper
low at the near post.
With a full squad available there
were a number of changes during the second half but that
didn't interrupt the fluency that Deeping were playing with.
The pattern of the half was set early on with Deeping playing good
passing football but a combination of good saves and snatched finishing meant
they were unable to extend their lead until five minutes from the end.
The hard working Pearce Westley
meeting a cross from Harrison Sadler at the far post after a quick Deeping
break. Two minutes later Marcus Howard completed the scoring from close
range. The keeper unfortunate after saving well from a deflected shot,
but only able to parry the ball onto the bar, where it then fell to the feet of
the Deeping forward.
Without doubt this was one of the
better performances of the season, on this occasion Deeping matched their
superior possession with goals and will be confident going into next
weeks 2nd Round Cup tie against Netherton Hawks.
Deeping Rangers:Luke Gasson, Matt
Burdock, Tom Hutton, Ryan Bird, Charlie Venables, Connor Pilbeam, Ryan Levin,
Pearce Westley, Dan Lipscombe, Matt Sparrow, Lewis Jackson
Subs:Hayden Errico, Sol
Boyer, Harrison Sadler, Marcus Howard, Jamie Reeve
Sunday 9th November 2008
Peterborough & District
Junior Alliance League Under 14 Division 1
Deeping Rangers 2 - 0 Glinton United
Glinton were the visitors on remembrance sunday and
before the game both teams and spectators paid their respects with a perfectly
observed minutes silence.
Then, after lengthy directions to his linesmen,
from an official who could perhaps be politely described as 'particular', the
game began. Deeping began with a 4-4-2 line up. Luke Gasson between
the sticks, Matt Burdock and Dan Lipscombe as full backs, Sol Boyer and Ryan
Levin completing the back four. From right to left, the midfield were Jamie
Reeve, Hayden Errico, Lewis Jackson, facing his old club, and Harrison
Sadler. The two up top were Matt Sparrow and Connor Pilbeam.
With most of the lads knowing each other from
school there's a bit of a derby atmosphere about these games. However it
soon became clear that Glinton's sole ambition again this season appears to be
keeping the goals against column respectable, and Deeping found they were
facing a feisty team based around maintaining 10 men behind the ball at all
times. As a result Deeping made an early switch to 3-5-2, Ryan Levin
slotting into midfield.
As expected, space was limited and time on the
ball was at a premium. Chances were few and far between early on, as
Deeping struggled to break down the 10 man Glinton defence that camped just
outside their own box.
The first real chance came on 15 minutes from a
Matt Sparrow corner, Connor Pilbeam rising highest to direct his header
goalwards. The keeper could only parry it and the defender on the post
flashed the ball straight across the six yard box, hitting Jamie
Reeve and a brief game of pinball broke out with the ball
hitting Jamie Reeve again, then Lewis Jackson before finally being
cleared.
2 minutes later and Lewis Jackson went close,
looking for one of his trademark strikes from outside the area but unable to
keep this effort down. A few minutes later Connor Pilbeam saw a second
headed effort go just wide. This time diving to meet a long throw from
Sol Boyer but unable to direct it the right side of the upright with the keeper
beaten. Almost immediately from another throw on the left hand side, Ryan
Levin received the ball short but was unable to hit the target with a curling
effort.
On 25 minutes, and not for the first time this
season, Matt Sparrow was denied what looked a clear penalty. With the
Glinton defence creating their own problems the ball broke free inside the box,
Matt's pace saw him reach the ball before the keeper, who's feet first
challenge launched him into the air. Unfortunately the referee appeared to
have more of a penchant for drop balls and orchestrating substitutions than
penalties, and failed to blow.
Deeping finally found a way to breach the defence
5 minutes before half time. A clearance from the Glinton defence fell to
Matt Burdock just inside their half. Looking to keep the pressure on, he
launched the ball long into the box bypassing all 10 outfield players, bouncing
just in front of the keeper, who would have struggled to see the ball dropping
out of the low sun, and bouncing straight into the top corner.
Lewis Jackson came close to extending the lead
right on half time, whipping a shot just over the bar from a corner.
The second half followed much the same pattern of
the first. Deeping working hard to break down a resolute back line but
never quite getting the luck their endeavour deserved. Matt Sparrow
signaled his intentions early in the half, racing clear of the defence but
foiled by the the legs of the onrushing keeper.
5 minutes later he seized on a poor clearance but
saw his shot flash past the wrong side of the post.
It was beginning to look as it wasn't going to be
his day 10 minutes in, Lewis Jackson drove over the halfway line and released
Matt Sparrow perfectly. As usual his pace took him away from the defence
but both he and the keeper cold only watch as his shot came back off the
post. Seconds later Lewis Jackson was unlucky not to score what would
have been a deserved goal but placed his shot just a coat of paint the wrong
side of the near post.
Deeping were starting to create regular chances
now. The hard working Pearce Westley sent Matt Sparrow down the right
hand touchline, where he whipped in a cross. Unfortunately Connor Pilbeam
didn't quite anticipate the defender missing the header and failed to connect
properly when well placed.
It was 7 minutes from the end before the next
chance of note came. Second half substitute Marcus Howard forcing a good
save from the keeper at the near post after being put through by Matt Sparrow.
Just two minutes later though and Deeping finally
put the game beyond doubt. Connor Pilbeam playing a big part as he beat
the full back to a clearance, laying the ball back to Tom Hutton before
spinning off and receiving the ball from Pearce Westley on the touchline.
A superb first time cross drew the keeper off his line but he could only watch
as the ball sailed over his head to the back post, where Matt Sparrow calmly
fired the ball into the back of the empty net.
There was still time for further chances for
Deeping to extend the lead but it was to finish 2 - 0. A result Nigel
Reeve was happy with afterwards "I was pleased with how the lads kept
trying to play their football, despite Glinton coming with a gameplan to make
life difficult for us. I'm confident that it's only a matter of time
until we start converting the chances we continue to make and the goals will
start to flow"
The result saw Deeping move up to second in the
league and on another day they could have won by a larger margin, but as with
last week, they still haven't quite found their shooting boots.
Deeping Rangers: Luke Gasson, Matt Burdock, Sol Boyer, Ryan Levin, Dan
Lipscombe, Jamie Reeve, Hayden Errico, Lewis Jackson, Harrison Sadler,
Connor Pilbeam, Matt Sparrow
Subs:Marcus Howard, Charlie Venables, Tom Hutton,
Pearce Westley
Sunday 2nd November 2008
Lincolnshire FA County Cup Second
Round
Deeping Rangers 2 - 3 Greenbank Juniors
Deeping slipped out of the Lincolnshire FA County Cup
on Sunday, losing by the odd goal in five at a sodden Outgang Road.
Greenbank JFC are Mid Lincs Youth League champions and proved a solid team
capable of soaking up Deeping pressure before hitting them clinically on the
break to win the match.
Deeping lined up with a 4-5-1 formation Matt
Burdock, Sol Boyer, Lewis Jackson and Charlie Venables taking their places in
the back four. Jamie Reeveand Dan Lipscombe playing wide, Hayden
Errico and Pearce Westley sitting just in front of Ryan Levin in the middle of
the field. Matt Sparrow ploughing a lone furrow up front.
Rangers had the first chance a couple of minutes
in, Lewis Jackson poking a corner just wide. Two minutes later Pearce
Westley fired over from the edge of the box after Greenbank had failed to clear
another corner. Unfortunately this was going to be the story of the
afternoon, Deeping creating the best chances but failing to test the keeper
enough.
The bright start continued though when Hayden
Errico was allowed to travel forward unchallenged but his long range shot
missing the target. Matt Sparrow made it four near misses in the first
five minutes when he raced clear only to se his shot run the wrong side of the
same post.
It wasn't until 15 minutes in that Deeping made
the keeper work but Dan Lipscombe's shot was straight into his arms.
The game changed on 17 minutes though when the ref
adjudged Lewis Jackson to have handled inside the box. From the referee's
viewpoint it looked a possible penalty but the ball had clearly left it's mark
on Lewis's chest and not his arm. It's rare a referee will change
his mind and this time was no different. Luke Gasson was unable to keep
the penalty out.
The goal had clearly knocked Deeping out of their
stride but they had a good chance to go level when Hayden Errico delivered a
superb hanging free kick which was met by the head of Pearce Westley.
Only a great stretch from the Greenbank keeper kept the ball out. However
it was Lewis Jackson who reacted quickest, drilling the ball back across the
box to be met by Dan Lipscombe as the defence just watched.
Greenbank immediately went on the offensive, Luke
Gasson failing to hold a shot from distance but redeeming himself straight away
with a superb save at the feet of the on rushing forward. The final shot
sailing high over. This was a sign of things to come though as just two
minutes later Greenbank re-took the lead.
It was a disappointing goal to concede, a Deeping
set piece failing to clear the first man left them chasing back as they were
hit by a classic counter attack.
The second half began with Deeping quick out of
the blocks, Pearce Westley was unlucky to score, forcing a second good save out
of the keeper. Stinging his fingers with a rasping shot after good work
from Matt Sparrow. The next half chance falling to Sol Boyer, easily
winning a 50/50 ball with the breaking full back but his shot was always
bending away from the top corner.
Deeping continued to press, Connor Pilbeam wasn't
far away from connecting with a Matt Sparrow cross.
Greenbank's first chance of the second half came
10 minutes in with a low free kick on the edge of the box. Luke Gasson
had it comfortably covered though as it curled away from the far post. 2
minutes later Deeping finally got the goal their endeavor deserved.
Harrison Sadler scoring with a superb header at the near post from a corner.
As with the first equaliser, Greenbank were
spurred back into action but it was Deeping doing the pressing. Matt
Sparrow dragging a shot wide of the upright from the edge of the area and then
firing over 3 minutes later when similarly placed.
Deeping continued to press but it was increasingly
looking like it wasn't going to be their day, Dan Lipscombe met another good
set piece delivery from Hayden Errico but was unable to direct the ball either
side of the keeper.
With just over 10 minutes left to play Greenbank
showed the first signs that they could still steal the match. A break on
the right past several tired challenges resulted with a shot flying just over
the bar.
Deeping then produced the best football of the
day. Dan Lipscombe won the ball at right back an immediately exchanged
passes with Ryan Levin before playing the ball first time into the feet of Matt
Sparrow, who in turn played it first time to Connor Pilbeam who had the defence
on the back foot running at pace. Connor cut inside and was challenged on
the edge of the box as he looked to pull the trigger. The ball rolled
loose to Ryan Levin who's shot was gathered at the second attempt by the
keeper.
In torrid conditions Deeping looked to have run
out of steam and that was evident when they lost the ball in the Greenbank half
and despite several opportunities to clear the ball eventually found it's way
into the back of the net. It was a classic sucker punch.
There was one final chance to pull the game back
level, Marcus Howard, who will forever be remembered for his last minute title
decider at Wisbech, this time failed to steer a cross in at the near post.
Deeping were many people's favourites for this
trophy and it's a huge disappointment to go out particularly when they created
so many chances, views echoed after the game by Nigel Reeve "I'm bitterly
disappointed to have gone out of the competition as I believed we had a good
chance of winning it again. We weren't at our best today but still had
enough opportunities to have won the game. All credit to Greenbank
though, who I'm sure will now be one of the favourites for the trophy".
Whether it's down to
bad luck or slightly less than clinical finishing, Deeping will be hoping to
find the answer soon, and when they do, someone will be on the end of a heavy
defeat.
Deeping
Rangers: Luke Gasson, Matt Burdock, Lewis Jackson, Charlie
Venables, Jamie Reeve, Hayden Errico, Ryan Levin, Pearce Westley, Dan
Lipscombe, Matt Sparrow
Subs: Harrison
Sadler, Connor Pilbeam, Tom Hutton, Marcus Howard
Sunday 26th October 2008
Peterborough & District Junior Alliance League
Under 14 Division 1
Stanground Juniors 2 - 3 Deeping Rangers
Champions Deeping Rangers re-ignited the defence of their
title with a hard fought victory away at Stanground. Games between these
two teams are usually tight affairs and this meeting proved no
different.
Both Deeping and Stanground have regularly tasted success
over the years but this season both have lost once in the league already,
making this meeting a must win for both teams.
Deeping lined up with a 4-5-1 formation, regular keeper
Gasson returned from holiday but both Errico and Howard were unavailable so
manager Nigel Reeve shuffled his pack. Burdock and Venables continued as
full backs, Boyer and Hutton forming the central pairing. Jackson moved
into midfield, joining Levin and Westley as the central trio. Reeve and
Lipscombe again providing the width. Sparrow continuing to play the role
of the lone striker.
Deeping were quick out of the blocks, forcing an early
corner after Sparrow's run and cross from the right hand side. Lipscombe
took the corner, which was only sliced clear to the edge of the area by the
Stanground defence. The ball falling to Levin, who saw his first time
strike deflected just wide of the upright for another corner.
Sparrow delivered a far post corner which Jackson headed
down into a crowd of players. Lipscombe reacted fastest and slotted the
ball past the keeper from close range with just four minutes of the game gone.
Stanground's first chance of the game came shortly
afterwards as a corner evaded everyone, only for the resulting shot to be
deflected wide by Boyer. Eight minutes in and Boyer narrowly missed
connecting with another great corner from Sparrow.
The next twenty minutes saw most of the game played out in
midfield as both teams cancelled each other out. Deeping should have
extended their lead though after Sparrow raced clear onto Jackson's pass.
The keeper doing well to just get enough on the ball as Sparrow
attempted to lift it over his head. Reeve saw his follow up shot on the
turn hit a defender and the ball ricocheted back to Sparrow who
couldn't keep his shot down.
Just a minute before half time Stanground were gifted an
equaliser following a mistake in the Deeping defence. A poor clearance
went straight up in the air and indecision struck the back line as they allowed
Stanground all the time in the world to slot past Gasson. It was a
disappointing end to a half in which Gasson had largely been a spectator.
The second half started in the same manner as the first with
Pilbeam forcing a good save from the keeper in the first minute.
Stanground only half cleared the ball before it found it's way back in
the box to Sparrow. He shifted the ball to his right and shaped to shoot
only to have his legs taken from under him. The referee, although well placed,
surprised everyone by failing to give a penalty.
Again the game settled down into a tightly contested
midfield battle, neither team carving out any chances of note until fifteen
minutes into the half when Sparrow's pace took him away from the defence on the
right hand side. Cutting into the box he found the bottom of the net as
he fired across the goal from a tight angle.
Five minutes later though and Stanground pulled level for
the second time, stretching the Deeping defence for the first time in the game
and racing clear to beat Gasson.
Although the Deeping team have yet to really find top gear
this season, they are starting to show signs of the resilience that
saw them come from behind to win the title last year. Just a minute after
being pulled back level, Deeping scored the decisive goal of the game.
Sparrow chasing what seemed a lost cause as the Stanground defence tried
to shepherd the ball out of play inside their own six yard box.
The hesitation was all the invitation Sparrow needed and he raced in to
steal the ball before beating the keeper at the near post from an impossibly
tight angle.
Deeping saw out the final ten minutes to come out on top of
a game in which the result mattered more than the performance, a fact not lost
on the Deeping boss "We had an under strength squad today with a
couple away and two or three carrying knocks, but the lads put in a battling
display, especially during the second half to grind out the three points".
Deeping Rangers: Gasson, Burdock, Hutton, Boyer, Venables,
Reeve, Jackson, Levin, Westley, Lipscombe, Sparrow Subs: Sadler, Pilbeam
Sunday 19th October 2008
Peterborough & District Junior Alliance League
Under 14 League Cup 1st Round
Deeping Rangers 7 - 0 Yaxley Juniors Blue
Deeping welcomed second
division Yaxley Juniors Blue to Outgang Road for the first round of the League
Cup. With regular keeper Gasson unavailable and Yaxley's 100% start to
the league season, this was a game with the potential for an upset.
Hutton stepped in to wear the gloves for the first half,
with Deeping lining up with a 4-5-1 formation which saw Jackson alongside Boyer
in the centre of defence. This gave Deeping a pair of full backs in Burdock
and Venables capable of getting forward when needed.
Across the midfield were the familiar three of Errico,
Westley and Levin, with Reeve and Lipscombe providing the width. The
tireless Sparrow starting in the lone role up front.
Yaxley started brightly and were clearly full of confidence
after some good results. Just 5 minutes into the game though and Deeping
struck following a throw in from the right hand side. Errico
miscontrolling the throw from Boyer but instantly winning the ball back and sliding
a pass beyond the full back for Lipscombe to meet, slotting low into the far
corner.
The early goal set the tone for the game as Deeping pressed
for a second. Westley unfortunate to narrowly head wide after good work
from Sparrow on the right wing.
The second goal did come though after 15 minutes. An
attempted Yaxley clearance only found Boyer who played the ball first time into
Levin on the half way line, who turned inside and drove forward before
releasing a weighted ball into the path of Sparrow. With the defence left
in his tracks and the keeper advancing, Sparrow coolly dinked the ball over the
keepers head and into the net.
Sparrow should have added a second 2 minutes later after
Levin released him again. His first time shot across goal passing just
the wrong side of the far post with the keeper stranded.
And for the next 10 minutes Deeping were unlucky not to pull
even further ahead. First Reeve broke through the middle only to be
thwarted by a good save by the Yaxley keeper.
Sharp passing on the right hand side between Burdock, Reeve
and Levin released Errico down the wing, his first time cross finding Sparrow
alone on the penalty spot. Sparrow perhaps striking the ball too cleanly
and blazing over the bar.
Sparrow was unlucky just a few minutes later after Reeve
drove into the box and cut the ball back into his path. It looked a
certain goal only for the Yaxley left back to clear the ball off the line for a
corner.
It was only a matter of time until Deeping added to their
tally and it was a familiar story in the 25th minute. Levin receiving the
ball from Boyer's throw in the Deeping half, then releasing Sparrow to outpace
the defence again. This time the keeper denied him but was unable to stop
the ball from running loose in the box, Lipscombe reacting sharpest and turning
the ball into the net for his second of the game.
Just 3 minutes later it was 4-0. This time Reeve took
a quick throw on the right, finding the hardworking Westley in the box. A
mix up between two Yaxley defenders allowed him to move forward unchallenged
and drive the ball past the helpless keeper.
As the game reached half time, Deeping were comfortably in
control and could have been ahead by a much bigger margin. The second
half started with a number of changes, notably Reeve replacing Hutton in goal.
It was 15 minutes into the second half that Deeping added
the fifth. Boyer's long free kick finding Burdock's perfectly timed run.
His first time shot well parried by the keeper who was then helpless to
stop Burdock slotting in the rebound.
10 minutes later Howard made it six. Sparrow breaking
free again before unselfishly rolling the ball sideways as the keeper
approached, allowing Howard the easiest of finishes.
The scoring was completed by Sadler just 2 minutes later.
Jackson won the ball in defence and played it forward. Errico
seeing the full back commit himself simply lifted it over his head putting
Sadler clean through. With 40 yards to goal and plenty of time to think
about it, Sadler drove just inside the box before giving the keeper the eyes
and beating him at the near post.
A comfortable win for Deeping against a plucky Yaxley team
who will be thankful to have kept the score in single figures. After the
game Deeping manager Nigel Reeve said "I was very impressed with the lads
yesterday. I was confident I'd get a good response to last week's defeat
and they didn't disappoint, getting back to playing the high tempo pass and
move football we believe in. A good performance which sets us up nicely
for Stanground next Sunday."
Deeping Rangers: Hutton, Burdock, Boyer, Jackson, Venables,
Reeve, Westley, Levin, Errico, Lipscombe, Sparrow Subs: Sadler, Howard, Pilbeam
Sunday 12th October 2008
Peterborough & District Junior Alliance League
Under 14 Division 1
It was a disappointing
day for the champions, Deeping Rangers, as they returned to Wisbech St Mary's
to face the team they beat to the title last season.
In a scrappy game, flowing football was never on the agenda.
Wisbech are a direct, physically strong team and worked hard closing down
the Deeping players. They wasted no time getting the ball forward,
hitting the long ball as early as possible.
Deeping had the greater balance of play in the first half
but a combination of poor passing and decision making meant they failed to take
advantage of their possession. The midfield were given no time to
settle on the ball and the defence faced a steady stream of long balls whenever
play broke down.
Wisbech scored two goals late in the first half, both as a
result of poor concentration. Slack marking, following a cross from the
left hand side, led to the first. The Deeping defence won the first
header but as the ball dropped, Deeping switched off and failed to react,
allowing a Wisbech player to drill a deflected shot past Gasson.
The second goal followed shortly afterwards. A mix up
in midfield allowed Wisbech to launch the ball over the defence, who failed to
pick up the runner, leaving Gasson isolated with no chance.
The second half failed to see an improvement. Deeping
created a number of half chances but never found the cutting edge.
In the final seconds Wisbech added a third, the referee
failing to spot a handball as Wisbech broke away on the right with Deeping
chasing the game.
Manager Nigel Reeve was understandably disappointed
afterwards. "The lads had a rare bad day at the office. I'm
convinced they will learn from it though and respond in positive fashion next
time out and for the rest of the season."
Deeping will know they need to improve and physically impose
themselves on the game in future and earn the right to play the football they
are capable of. They have to realise that opposition teams of lesser
ability will raise their game against Deeping, with the added motivation of
claiming the scalp of the champions.
Deeping Rangers: Gasson, Boyer, Burdock, Hutton, Jackson,
Levin, Westley, Errico, Reeve, Pilbeam, Sparrow Subs: Venables, Sadler, Howard, Lipscombe
Sunday
5th October 2008
Lincolnshire
FA County Cup Under 14
Retford
United Juniors 1 - 5 Deeping Rangers
Deeping
began their quest to win a second Lincs County Cup with a trip up the A1 to Mid
Lincs Youth League side Retford United. Having won the trophy last time
out at Under 12, the Division 1 champions are keen to add further silverware
this season.
The Retford pitch had in most part stood up to the deluge of rain and although
soggy in the corners, the game kicked off in bright sunshine. Deeping
lined up with a 4-5-1 formation, hoping to take advantage of a wide pitch and
quick wingers. The game started slowly with misplaced passes from both
sides as the ball held up on the wet areas of the pitch.
It didn't take long for Deeping to take the lead though, Jackson releasing Sparrow
with a lofted ball over the flat footed defence and allowing Sparrow to race
clear into the right hand channel, before cutting the ball back across the goal
and into the path of the incoming left winger Lipscombe. Who cut across
in front of the right back and slotted past the despairing keeper.
Deeping added a superb second goal, turning defence to
attack when Hutton won a challenge on the edge of the Deeping box, Boyer
controlled the loose ball and found the feet of Lipscombe wide on the left wing.
Lipscombe played the ball first time inside to Levin just short of the
halfway line, who with a well timed drop of the shoulder as he received the
ball broke free of the Retford midfield before slipping through a perfectly
weighted pass behind the defence and into the path of Errico who finished his
50 yard run by steering the ball into the bottom corner with the outside of his
right boot. From Hutton's challenge to the ball nestling in the back of
the net took just twelve seconds.
Shortly after half-time Sparrow grabbed his first of the
game. Picking up a weak defensive header on the edge of the box and
finding Levin on the right hand side. The
referee signaled advantage as he rode a heavy challenge before
cutting inside another defender and returning the ball to Sparrow in the box.
Sparrow's strength and first touch gave him enough space to make his
second touch a great finish into the far corner.
Sparrow's second followed shortly after with another fine
example of the speed that this Deeping team can play. This time Burdock
won the ball on the edge of his box and found Levin who played the ball first
time into the path of the forward running Errico. Again the pace of the
Deeping team showed as Errico beat the oncoming defender to the ball and
slotted it through to Sparrow, who was ten yards inside the Retford half.
His first touch took him clear of the defender and he left the back line
for dead before nonchalantly finding the far corner as the keeper came off his
line. Twelve seconds from start to finish again.
By this time the game was over as a competition and manager
Nigel Reeve made several substitutions and it was substitute Sadler who added
the fifth. Clever work from a Deeping throw saw Jackson free on the right
hand side and he delivered a great cross with the outside of his right boot
which was met by the head of Sadler. His 8 yard header looping over the
Retford keeper to complete the Deeping scoring.
In truth Deeping won this game without ever really having to find top
gear. Retford struggled to deal with the passing and movement of the
Deeping boys and only a combination of offside decisions and good goalkeeping
kept the score down. They did manage a consolation goal late in the
second half following a lapse in concentration as Deeping coasted through to
the final whistle.
Deeping now go into the hat for the second round clearly pleasing the manager, who said afterwards
"The lads turned in another professional performance after a long journey,
without really needing to hit top form against a team that never stopped
battling."
Deeping Rangers: Luke Gasson, Tom Hutton, Sol Boyer,
Matt Burdock, Charlie Venables, Jamie Reeve, Hayden Errico, Ryan Levin, Lewis
Jackson, Dan Lipscombe, Matt Sparrow Subs: Connor
Pilbeam, Pearce Westley, Harrison Sadler, Harry Measures
Sunday 21st September 2008
Peterborough & District Junior Alliance League
Under 14 Division 1
Wisbech St Mary Yellows 1 - 7 Deeping Rangers
Deeping Rangers returned to the scene of last seasons
final day title triumph to open their defence with a comprehensive victory
against newly promoted Wisbech St Mary Yellows.
This was already the third match of
the season for Wisbech St Mary, having beaten Bourne and drawing with fellow
new boys Whittlesey Yellows. Deeping were quick off the mark, pressing
Wisbech into their own half, allowing them no time to settle on the ball.
With five across the midfield Deeping soon started to move the ball
around, enjoying early success on the right hand side.
The pace of the front pair caused
problems for the home side right from the first whistle and it was only a
matter of time before Sparrow fired Deeping ahead. Soon after it was 2-0
and a second goal for last years top scorer.
Before half time Pilbeam grabbed
his first of the season and the break came with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Deeping started the second half with a conventional 4-4-2 and a number of
fresh faces from what looks a strong 16 man squad.
On what was a warm late summer day
the pace understandably dropped as Deeping took time to adjust to the changes.
It wasn't long however before they found their rhythm again and
the goals started to flow as they stretched their lead.
Sadler opened the second half
scoring, showing sharp reactions as he beat two defenders to a cross at the
back post, slotting into an empty net after his first effort came back off the
post. Pilbeam claimed his second of the game before going off injured,
outpacing the defence once more. Jackson got his name on the score
sheet, firing into the bottom corner from distance. Reeve completed the
scoring, pouncing on a loose ball and cutting inside before finding the top
corner with his left foot from just inside the box.
To their credit Wisbech maintained
their principles of trying to play passing football and scored a consolation
goal as the game moved towards the final whistle.
A comfortable 7-1 victory against a
team who could be capable of springing a surprise or two this season.
Deeping Rangers : Gasson, Boyer, Burdock, Measures, Jackson, Errico, Levin, Westley, Reeve, Sparrow, Pilbeam Subs:Venables, Hutton, Sadler, Howard
.