Deeping Rangers U18 0 Sawtry U18 2

 

RANGERS manager Rob Jerram was left bemused after seeing his side knocked out of the League Cup quarter final by Division One leaders Sawtry at Outgang Road.

Rangers dominated the match from start to finish, hitting the bar three times, having two efforts cleared off the line and forcing the visiting keeper into a number of saves, but lady luck was clearly on Sawtry's side.

The visitors managed just three efforts on goal in the entire match thanks to an outstanding performance from the back four, and in particular man-of-the-match Sean Evans.

Rangers listened to their manager before the game and started the match at a great tempo on a boggy pitch with a strong wind.

Lewis Godfrey, Jordan Avis and Dean Thomas all tested the keeper early in the match, while Evans saw a towering header from a corner cleared off the line.

Skipper Tom Smith, who was excellent once again, looked to have put his side ahead only for his stinging 25-yard-drive to crash off the bar and out of play.

The game had to be stopped after 30 minutes when the large steel dugout roof was ripped off by the wind and blown high on to the pitch, fortunately missing all players.

When play resumed Rangers continued to push, and debutant Matt Jane forced the visiting keeper into another stop.

The hosts picked up where they left off in the second half as Evans' crashed a header off the bar and Jane burst through and rounded the keeper but was forced too wide to finish.

Aginst the run of play Sawtry won a free-kick wide on the left and the attempted cross caught the wind and bent over keeper Robbie Virgin and into the top corner.

Rangers didn't let their heads drop and pushed for a leveller. Good work from Matt Jane down the right saw a lovely ball drilled across the box towards Chris While but the winger couldn't connect for an easy finish.

Good work from striker Lewis Godfrey then set-up Dean Thomas but his 18-yard-strike was inches wide.

In an attempt to get level the host went to three at the back and while pressing they were caught. A ball across the box fell to Sawtry's striker who should have side footed into the emptry net, but instead crashed against the bar from six yards.

With time running out Jordan Avis fired into the side netting while Thomas' corner was cleared off the line.

With seconds remaining Rangers won another corner and keeper Robbie Virgin went forward. He won the ball but Sawtry broke away with just Dan Flood back for Deeping and sealed the game - the ball bobbling over Flood's foot as he attempted to clear.

Jerram said: "It's so frustrating when you dominate a game like that, but I can't be too disappointed because our overall level of performance and the tempo of our play was superb.

"With all respect to Sawtry they produced nothing to show me why they are top of our league and on another day we would have been four or five up by half time, but they ground out a great result and I hope they go on to lift the cup now.

"To be honest I'm just very grateful no-one was seriously hurt when the dugout roof blew off because that could have been very nasty - it took five of us to get it off the pitch so it shows just how strong the wind was."

Rangers: Virgin, Thurston, Flood, Evans, Longden, While (Henderson), Smith (c), Jane, Thomas, Avis, Godfrey.

 

 

Deeping Rangers U18 3 Northborough U18 1

 

DEEPING Rangers bounced back from their 5-0 mauling at PSV with a deserved home victory over Northborough.

Rob Jerram's side dominated the match throughout and would have won by more if their finishing had been better.

The first half was not the most entertaining with Northborough continually playing the long ball, dragging Rangers down to their level, but Rangers back four, and in particular man-of-the-match Jamie Thurston, coped admirably against a pacey attack.

Despite being an unattractive game it was Rangers who had the better chances. Dean Thomas and Lewis Godfrey both went clean through only to finish tamely with their weaker foot, while skipper Tom Smith, whose work rate was excellent again, produced a stunning long drive, forcing the visitor's keeper to palm over the bar.

Jordan Avis dominated down the left wing and his excellent drilled cross needed only the slightest touch, but evaded everyone.

Northborough's only effort of note came from a 35-yard free-kick which was comfortably turned over the bar.

After a productive half-time team talk Rangers started the second-half much brighter and began to pass the ball and create space, but it was Northborough who went close to going ahead - a free back post header going just wide.

With the hosts wanting the win Jerram changed to three at the back, pushing Adam Sparkes into a five man midfield, and it paid dividends immediately as Sparkes lofted a wonderful shot into the top corner from the angle of the 18-yard box.

The goal boosted Rangers and it was 2-0 shortly afterwards. Winger Chris While, who had returned as a substitute from injury, found space at the far post to neatly volley home.

Northborough almost got themselves back in the game with a looping header which was just turned over, before Rangers added a third.

With 20 minutes remaining Thomas, who had an excellent second-half, drove through and lifted the ball over the keeper to seal the points. The attacking midfielder could have made it four minutes later but his strike went agonisingly wide.

Northborough scored a late consolation when a shot was parried into the path of James Cassidy who smashed home.

Jerram said: "The first half was pretty poor because we didn't pass the ball well enough but after the break we were excellent and we thoroughly deserved the win and perhaps should have scored more. I was delighted with the back four, particularly Jamie Thurston and Glenn Longden, because we were taught a lesson at PSV and it was important we steadied the ship and bounced back with a convincing win.

"The lads all know what they're capable of, we've been showing how good we are in all of the cups, now we just need to put a league run together and move up the table."

* Rangers host Sawtry in the League Cup on Sunday (1.30pm).

 

 

PSV U18 5 Deeping Rangers U18 0

 

DEEPING Rangers returned to league action with a bang as PSV tore them apart with a fine display of attacking football.

Seriously hindered by the fact the majority of his players had been out an 18th birthday party, not getting in until 5am, manager Rob Jerram feared his side were in for a tough afternoon and it took little time for his concerns to be founded.

With less than 30 seconds gone a mistake by Chris Pike saw a deflected shot fall to a PSV man but he blazed wide from six yards.

Moments later Rangers left another man free in the box and were again fortunate as a shot fizzed past the post.

But that was not enough of a wake up call for the visitors and with just three minutes gone they fell behind to a free header from a corner.

PSV had chances to extend their lead but a mixture of poor finishing and some desperate defending ensure Rangers got to the break just a goal behind.

Rangers introduced Nico Staffieri for the second half and started brightly, passing the ball around well and forcing PSV back but with 55 minutes gone the hosts scored again and the visitors' heads dropped.

A lucky third soon followed as a misplaced shot hit a striker on the back and flew past Robbie Virgin. Virgin's bad luck continued as a shot then rebounded off a post and hit him before going in.

Rangers could have no arguments with PSV's fifth as a 20-yard half volley dipped over Virgin's head and under the bar to complete the rout.

Rangers manager Rob Jerram fumed: "We were disgraceful - captain Tom Smith was the only one to come out with any credit whatsoever - in fact he had both of our shots and at one point he was playing in about four positions to make up for other people's shortcomings!

"Credit to PSV, they are an excellent side, but having been on such a great run recently I'm absolutely furious with the way we played.

"I have no problem with people celebrating birthdays, particularly when it's a special occassion like an 18th, but I will not give up my time and effort to watch a performance like that - we just did not turn up and PSV's players absolutely loved it.

"Unfortunately we now have to wait to put it right because we don't have a game for a fortnight. Hopefully the break will give the lads time to realise just how terrible they were and inspire them to perform next time."

Rangers: Virgin, Thurston, Longden, Sparkes, Pike, Avis, Bownes (Pickering), Smith (c), Thomas (Parker), Evans, Godfrey (Staffieri).

 

 

Deeping Rangers U18 2 Yaxley U18 1

 

RANGERS produced an excellent second half display as they fought back from a goal down to end impressive Yaxley's winning start to the season and progress in the League Cup.

Yaxley are renowned as a side who play good football and came to Outgang Road full of confidence off the back of a 4-0 win at Stamford the previous week.

In a bid to overwhelm the visitors manager Rob Jerram opted for a 4-3-3 formation from the off but Yaxley's superior passing and movement, along with their ability to win almost every ball in the air, saw Rangers forced on to the back foot with attackers Tom Bownes and Jordan Avis forced back into midfield.

Despite Yaxley's early dominance they were unable to create any clear cut chances largely thanks to great work from centre backs Dan Flood and man-of-the-match Adam Sparkes.

The game rarely flowed with the whistle-happy referee, who was strongly criticised by both camps, regularly making himself the centre of attention. A prime example came midway through the first half when Rangers' midfielder Dean Thomas was challenged late after playing Lewis Godfrey through on goal. Godfrey finished superbly but the official ruled it out and pulled play back for the foul to the disgust of boss Rob Jerram and relief of Yaxley's players.

The decision boosted Yaxley and they went ahead ten minutes before the break as Rangers' midfield stood off and allowed a drilled strike into the bottom corner from 25-yards.

The break allowed Jerram to change things around with the hosts reverting to their normal 4-4-2 formation and it immediately proved fruitful as Yaxley began making unforced errors and allowed Rangers' time and space.

Having twice tested the keeper in the early stages of the half Rangers' levelled on the hour when captain Tom Smith's corner was knocked down by Flood and Tom Bownes pounced for his fifth goal of the season.

The goal hit Yaxley hard and Rangers looked much the better side.

Winger Jordan Avis cut inside only to produce a tame shot and Dean Thomas was denied by a good save before the hosts deservedly went in front with another scrappy goal.

Smith's corner was met by Bownes whose header rebounded straight to Flood who fired home his second of the campaign.

Rangers had opportunities to extend the lead through Bownes, Avis and Godfrey before Yaxley began to press, forcing keeper Robbie Virgin to make two top drawer saves.

As the final seconds ticked round Yaxley won a corner a towering header evaded Robbie Virgin only to be cleared off the line by Chris Pike.

Jerram said: "That is our best result of the season and it will send out a message because everyone in this league and this cup knows how good Yaxley are. A lot of their players are already pushing for the reserves and first team and you could see why at times but defensively we were outstanding all afternoon and we got the goals our second-half display deserved.

"I'm really pleased for the lads because they are a great bunch and the team spirit is superb. We have had three cup games in a row now, PFA, Lincs Cup and the League Cup, and we are through in all of them, scoring 13 goals and only conceding once. That shows what an excellent outfit we are turning into."

Rangers: Virgin, Thurston (Staffieri), Flood, Sparkes, Pike, Avis, Longden, Smith (c), Thomas, Bownes, Godfrey. Not used: Pickering, Henderson, Hall.

* Rangers visit PSV for a league match on Sunday (2pm).

 

 

Scawby Youths 0 Deeping Rangers U18 3

 

DEEPING Rangers progressed to the quarter-finals of the Lincolnshire Cup by ending Scunthorpe side Scawby’s unbeaten record.

Having knocked holders Brigg out in the previous round Rob Jerram’s side returned to Scunthorpe full of confidence but their plans were thrown into disarray when several players got lost on their way to the ground forcing changes to the starting 11.

Despite that Rangers started well on a narrow and short pitch against hosts who were clearly more intent on leaving their mark on player than the ball.

The visitors went ahead inside 15 minutes as Lewis Godfrey headed home his sixth of the season.

Rangers were forced back and keeper Robbie Virgin, returning from a broken finger, had to be sharp off his line to deny the hosts a leveller.

As Scawby turned the screw the visitors broke and man-of-the-match Godfrey doubled Rangers tally as he headed home at the far post.

Tom Bownes, fresh from his hat-trick the previous week, could have extended Rangers lead but saw his close range strike hit the side netting.

Scawby’s players became frustrated and their discipline slipped with several players booked before the break and a number of Rangers showing the scars of poor challenges.

Changes at the break saw Rangers become a more solid unit and while Scawby pressed after the break, fine handling from Virgin and solid defending from Dan Flood and Adam Sparkes ensured the visitors were never in any real danger.

Left back Chris Pike was booked as he vented his frustration over a number of poor challenges and his point was justified shortly afterwards when the hosts were reduced to ten men for yet another dangerous tackle.

Despite having fewer men the hosts still pressed but it was Rangers who extended their lead. With midfield general Dean Thomas down injured Scawby’s players were more interested in complaining and name calling allowing Jordan Avis to benefit from a goalkeeping error to coolly slot home and seal the win.

Jerram said: “The result is really pleasing because the preparation wasn’t ideal, the pitch was far too small for this level and their physical and at times violent approach was something we have not come up against before.

“We coped really well, kept our discipline, played some good football, and most importantly we took our chances.

“Lewis was excellent as were Tom Smith and Sean Evans and I was pleased to see Chez (Jordan) score as he was kicked all game long.

“Having had two long trips to Scunthorpe we’re just hoping for a home or local draw in the next round now!”

Rangers: Virgin, Thurston (Sparkes), Flood, Longden, Smith, Henderson (Pike), Avis, Bownes, Thomas, Godfrey (Pickering), Evans.

 

Deeping Rangers U18 8 Pinchbeck Utd U18 0

 

DEEPING Rangers produced a breathtaking display of football to brush Division Two high-flyers Pinchbeck aside in the first round of the PFA Youth Cup at Outgang Road.

Having suffered a disappointing defeat to Sawtry seven days earlier Rangers produced their best display of the season, dominating from back to front and scoring some outstanding goals.

Sean Evans put the Division One hosts in front early on with an excellent volleyed lob over the keeper from the edge of the box.

Evans scored again after 20 minutes and Godfrey made it three shortly afterwards.

Evans, who now has three goals in his first three games for Jerram’s side, was forced off with a pull after 30 minutes and a re-shuffle saw man-of-the-match Tom Bownes move up front and Chris Henderson come on in right midfield.

Rangers continued to dominate and Glenn Longden almost extended the lead as his stunning left footed volley crashed against the bar from 30-yards.

Pinchbeck re-shuffled and put five across midfield as they tried to get back into the game but Rangers were solid at the back with skipper Flood continuing his fine form.

At half-time Jerram moved Bownes back into a midfield role to match Pinchbeck, leaving Godfrey as the lone front man.

It was Bownes who extended Rangers lead and effectively sealed the game, using his strength and good control to find his way through and crack a right footed effort into the top corner from 18-yards.

Godfrey was on target again before Bownes added his second to make it six. Godfrey then combined with Bownes before curling the ball over the keeper from 20-yards to seal his hat-trick.

And there was still time for Bownes to complete his treble. Substitute Nico Staffieri showed tremendous determination and control as he ran from right-back and crossed perfectly for Bownes to sweep home.

Smith, who was excellent in a defensive midfield role, hit the post with a 20-yard free-kick and Godfrey could only crash the rebound off the bar.

Debutant Pike could have made it nine late on but the keeper made a good save and the referee blew for full-time.

Jerram said: “We were outstanding from the first whistle. We knew Pinchbeck had been playing well and they beat Langtoft, who are a good side, 4-2 the previous week so it was important we showed them respect but didn’t allow them to play.

“The Sawtry result was hugely disappointing but if we play like this every week very few teams will get near us – our passing and movement was brilliant and when your three front men get eight goals between them you have to be delighted.

“We went into the game without four regular players, including keeper Robbie Virgin who has a broken finger, so when you consider that it just makes this result even more impressive. The lads were fantastic and in all honesty and with respect to Pinchbeck, it could have been 15 or 16.”

Rangers: Tinkler, Longden, Flood (c) (Staffieri), Sparkes, Pike, Avis, Bownes, Smith, Thomas (Hall), Godfrey, Evans (Henderson).

 

Deeping Rangers U18 2 Sawtry U18 3

 

RANGERS twice let the lead slip as Sawtry scored a controversial late penalty to steal the win and hand Rob Jerram his first managerial defeat.

The league failed to provide a referee and with the club unaware the Division One game kicked off 20 minutes late with a replacement found.

The delay did not effect Rangers who made much the better start, dominating the opening 15 minutes with crisp passing and good movement.

Chris While, who was subject of some poor challenges throughout, was lively on the wing while Tom Bownes was causing problems up front.

Bownes won a corner on 10 minutes and man-of-the-match Tom Smith's ball in was flicked on for defender Dan Flood to sweep home at the far post.

Having gone in front Rangers could have extended their lead with Dean Thomas, Jordan Avis and Bownes threatening.

But with around 20 minutes left in the first half Rangers became disjointed in midfield and allowed Sawtry to dominate the remainder of the period.

Good last ditch challenges by Dan Flood twice kept the hosts in front, while Jamie Thurston cleared off the line and Robbie Virgin produced a fine stop from a close range volley.

An error from the otherwise excellent Sean Evans allowed the visitors to level as they stole the ball on the right edge of the 18-yard box and crossed for a close range finish.

The early stages of the second half saw Rangers back on top.

Thomas found himself through only to lose the ball as he attempted to cut back inside, Bownes shot weakly from an angle and Godfrey was twice close to latching on to through balls.

Bownes did put the hosts back in front as the referee played an advantage following a handball and the impressive striker powered through and slotted the ball low into the corner.

The visitors felt they deserved a penalty when home skipper Richard Pickering pushed a player in the box but the referee waved play on.

Again Rangers had chances to seal the game but gradually Sawtry battled back into the match. A long ball into Rangers' box was allowed to bounce and the visiting striker controlled on his chest, turned and volleyed past Virgin.

The hosts pressed for the winner but were caught out with five minutes left as a long ball over the top found the Sawtry striker who burst into the box only for Virgin to block the ball and send the player tumbling. To everyone's surprise the referee pointed to the spot and the ball was stroked home to give the visitors the lead.

Rangers pressed for the leveller, Lewis Godfrey going close with a header, but it was too late.

Jerram said: "After the display at Brigg a fortnight ago it was disappointing not to continue our unbeaten run but unfortunately our match was postponed lat week and a break is the worst thing to have when you're playing well.

"Overall I think we probably deserved to sneak it and there was no way we deserved a loss but we were too sloppy at times and shot ourselves in the foot. Personally I didn't think it was a penalty, I don't know how Robbie was meant to get out of the way and he clearly got a touch on the ball, but it wasn't surprising that it was given as we didn't get a decision all day. Tom Bownes must have been given offside about ten times including an occassion when he ran from his own half, but ultimately we have to blame ourselves and learn from this.

"I was really pleased with the first 15 minutes in each half and as has been the case so many times already this season, if we had taken our chances we would have been comfortable winners today."

Rangers: Virgin, Thurston (Longden), Flood, Evans, Smith, Avis (Parker), Pickering (c), Thomas, While (Lincoln), Godfrey, Bownes.

* Rangers host Division Two side Pinchbeck in the first round of the PFA Youth Cup next Sunday (2pm).

 

Brigg Town U18 0 Deeping Rangers U18 1

 

SEAN Evans debut strike early in the second half was enough for Rangers to knock out the holders in the first round of the Lincolnshire Cup.

Evans latched onto a ball into the box and, despite a poor first touch, managed to finish into the corner as Rangers' dominance finally told.

The win was just deserts for Deeping who, having travelled 70 miles to find there were no changing facilities or running water, dominated the match for more than an hour and never looked in any real danger.

It was only in the closing stages that Brigg offered any threat, largely due to an injury to right back Jamie Thurston who had controlled the game during the first half with a fabulous range of passing and crosses.

With manager Rob Jerram having already made three changes, Thurston, who was unable to run, had to be moved up front with Evans dropping back, effectively reducing the visitors to ten men.

Rangers could easily have been six clear by that point having played their best football of the season so far.

Lewis Godfrey, who scored the winner against Stamford seven days earlier, had three fabulous first half chances but was twice thwarted by the excellent home keeper and put his third attempt just over, largely due to a bobble.

Dean Thomas, who had a fantastic match in the middle of the park, had an excellent opportunity when he burst through, playing a sublime one-two with lively winger Chris While, only to see his strike superbly saved.

Man of the match Jordan 'Chez' Avis, playing on the left wing, worked well with impressive left back Tom Smith to cause all sorts of problems, and he twice tested the keeper, while Sean Evans was inches away from latching on to a Godfrey flick on and the visitors saw another effort roll agonisingly across the goal line.

Rangers were almost made to pay for the missed chances when a speculative 30-yard drive caught keeper Robbie Virgin unawares and crashed off the bar and onto the line.

Half-time saw skipper Richard Pickering replaced by Glenn Longden, with the again impressive Dan Flood deservedly taking the armband.

The change settled the midfield and just five minutes into the half Evans scored the decisive goal.

Rangers continued to press forward but the home keeper and another two efforts cleared off the line kept the home side in the game.

Tom Bownes replaced the tiring Godfrey and the injured While was replaced by Parker shortly before Thurston's injury allowed Brigg to apply some pressure, launching plenty of long balls and crosses, but Virgin, Flood and the solid Adam Sparkes dealt well and Rangers held on for a fabulous victory.

Manager Rob Jerram said: "We dominated the game and thoroughly deserved the victory - it could and should have been far more comfortable but at the end of the day we came here to beat the holders, send out a message, and that's what we've done.

"I was delighted with the attitude and work rate and some of our football, particularly in the first half, was absolultely stunning. We've been working hard in training on quick one and two touch football and it transferred to the pitch.

"If it wasn't for their keeper then we would have scored six or seven so our lads deserve so much credit."

Rangers: Virgin, Thurston, Flood, Sparkes, Smith, While (Parker), Pickering (Longden), Thomas, Avis, Godfrey (Bownes), Evans.

 

 

Stamford U18 1 Deeping Rangers U18 2

 

RANGERS weathered strong winds and poor refereeing to pick up a deserved first win of the season and maintain their unbeaten start with a late Lewis Godfrey strike.

For long periods it looked as though Rob Jerram's side would have to settle for a third 1-1 draw in a row despite being much the better side for long periods.

With the wind at their backs in the first half Rangers did their best to play attractive passing football and bossed the midfield.

Jordan Avis twice tested the keeper from range and the visitors went close from a barrage of corners but could not make the break through.

The hosts rarely troubled Rangers solid defence with man-of-the-match Dan Flood in irresistable form and Tom Smith as impressive as always.

Their only attempts saw an angled drive go wide and a hopeful lob drift over the bar as Robbie Virgin enjoyed a quiet time.

Rangers took the lead on the half-hour mark when a throw in from the right was flicked on to Dean Thomas who powered a half volley low past the keeper.

With Jamie Thurston forced off with an injury at the break Chris While came on and the pacey winger should have put Rangers two in front with virtually his first touch.

Lee Verrall found space on the left and produced a wonderful teasing cross to the back post but While could only head at the keeper with the goal at his mercy.

As the wind grew stronger the physical hosts reverted to route one football, smashing long balls over the top and again Rangers failed to hold a lead as Tom Stuffins levelled in the 52nd minute.

Having enjoyed a quiet first half Virgin was forced to make several top quality saves, the pick of the bunch as he clawed out a powerful header from under the bar.

With 20 minutes left sub Tom Bownes muscled his way through on goal only to produce a tame finish. Smith then tested the home keeper with a dipping free-kick and Bownes was involved again as Avis shot wide.

With the clock ticking the hard working Godfrey latched on to a flick and despite tumbling in the box he managed to keep hold of the ball, battle back to his feet and smash the ball into the far corner.

Rangers went on the hunt for a third but it was Stamford who went closest as a long throw was flicked on and came back off the post in what proved to be the last action.

Jerram said: "We've been disappointed not to take maximum points in our opening two games and when we allowed Stamford back into it after the break I thought we might pay, but Floody and Virge were fantastic and we deserved the win for the way we tried to play the game.

"Credit to Godfrey as well because he never stopped working despite some poor challenges on him and Bownes made a big difference when he came on."

Rangers: Virgin, Thurston (While), Flood, Sparkes, Smith, Staffieri (Longden), Pickering (c), Thomas, Verrall (Bownes), Avis, Godfrey. Sub not used: Hall.

Rangers travel to Brigg Town U18s next Sunday (3pm) in the first round of the Lincolnshire Cup.

 

 

Deeping Rangers U18 1 Netherton C 1

 

CONCEDING a third minute goal and producing an all round lacklustre performance left Rangers manager Rob Jerram fuming at the final whistle.

Netherton arrived at Outgang Road off the back of a 4-0 opening day home defeat but a sloppy mistake at the back coupled with poor finishing meant Rangers could not inflict a similar result.

Despite being warned of the away side's pacey frontline it took just three minutes for Deeping's defence to allow a ball over the top to be latched onto by a Netherton winger who crossed for Sam Strange to slot past Robbie Virgin.

Rangers responded well, forcing the visitors back and testing the keeper with several shots from range.

The equaliser came after 15 minutes. Good work down the right saw the ball fall to Lewis Godfrey in the box and he fired home from an angle to level the scores.

Rangers pressed but lacked quality. Skipper Richard Pickering headed over a good opportunity and Chris While forced a save with a volley from 20-yards but too often the basics went missing.

Jerram switched to a 3-5-2 for the second period in a bid to overpower the visitors but the swirling wind made it difficult with Netherton playing plenty of long high balls.

Chances were few and far between. Substitute Nico Staffieri forced a good near post save while Pickering and Dean Thomas missed the target from distance.

Defender Dan Flood then failed to clear his lines allowing a shot from distance which forced Virgin into a full length save.

Thomas had a glorious chance to pinch the win late on as he powered into the box and slid the ball past the keeper only for it to creep agonisingly past the far post.

Jerram said: "It wasn't good enough and the lads know that. They were warned about the pace of the strikers and still conceded to a ball over the top. Having said that we had more than enough chances to win it, we never looked in any real danger at the back and the conditions were tough.

"It's another point on the board and we've not lost but I feel we should be celebrating two wins, not feeling frustrated with two draws."

Rangers: Virgin, Thurston, Flood, Sparkes, Smith, While (Staffieri), Pickering (c), Thomas, Avis, Godfrey (Cater), Lincoln (Parker). Subs not used: Davies, Henderson.

* Rangers travel to Stamford Youth Association on Sunday (2pm).

 

 

Northborough U18 1 Deeping Rangers U18 1

 

DEEPING Rangers U18s threw away victory in their opening Peterborough Youth League Division One fixture at Northborough.

Just as they had in all of their pre-season friendlies, Rangers allowed a lead to slip with a sloppy mistake and were forced to settle for a draw.

After a scrappy opening Rangers began to dominate midfield with Dean Thomas, Jordan Avis and Lee Verrall all having half-chances.

Tom Smith, forced to play at left-back due to the absence of Chris Pike, had an excellent game, and it was his hopefull ball midway through the period that caused confusion for the host's right back and allowed Matt Lincoln in to loft the ball over the strander keeper for his third goal in three games.

Rangers could have extended their lead but Thomas fired over when well placed and Verrall failed to get a shot away having found space.

A change at half-time saw Lewis Godfrey on for Chris while and the tall forward was inches away from extending Rangers lead when he saw his curling 18-yard effort bounce out off the bar.

With the sun beating down on an incredibly hard pitch Rangers switched off and allowed Northborough to level. Keeper Robbie Virgin took far too long to deal with a simple back pass leading to a scrap in the box which saw the ball rifled in to the top of the net.

With the impressive Jamie Croson forced to go off due to work commitments Rangers reshuffled with striker Stephen Parker taking to the field. The visitors took time to readjust and Northborough had a chance to go ahead but their striker fired over from 12-yards. Virgin was then sharp off his line to deny two further opportunities.

Frustration began to get the better of Rangers and Avis and Virgin were both booked for comments towards the referee after he missed a clear foul.

Skipper Pickering rallied the troops and with 15 minutes remaining Rangers picked up the pace. Parker fired over from distance, Smith hit a powerful shot at the keeper and Thomas saw a powerful drive blocked.

Late in the game the excellent Dan Flood powered a header towards goal from a corner only to see it cleared off the line.

Thomas then found himself clean through from the right and having seen his attempted pull back blocked he fired wide.

Rangers manager Rob Jerram said: "I'm very disappointed not to have come away with the win our play deserved but a point away in our first competitive match together is not a bad result, particularly when we had three key men missing. We just need to learn to be a little more ruthless in front of goal and kill games off."

Rangers host Netherton FC at Outgang Road on Sunday, 2pm.

Rangers: Virgin, Staffieri, Flood, Croson (Parker), Smith, While (Godfrey), Pickering (c), Thomas, Verrall, Avis, Lincoln. Subs not used: Cater, Davies. Man-of-the-match: Thomas.

 

 

Deeping Rangers U18 2 FC Langtoft 2

 

RANGERS recovered from conceding a third minute goal to take the lead in their final pre-season friendly against local rivals Langtoft.

The usually strong defence failed to deal with a long ball and Daniel Flood’s header out was met on the volley by a visiting player who side footed home off Robbie Virgin’s right post.

It proved to be Langtoft’s only shot of the first half as Rangers atoned for their slow start.

Left winger Lee Verrall levelled with a stunning 25-yard strike following good hold up play by Stephen Parker.

Matt Lincoln put the hosts ahead with his second goal in two games, finishing neatly into the bottom left corner when put clean through.

Rangers created plenty of chances but failed to score the goals that would have put the game out of Langtoft’s reach and they paid dearly late in the game.

Manager Rob Jerram made several changes and tinkered with the formation and his side became disjointed. Just minutes before the whistle a poor cross somehow made it across the box and was volleyed past the helpless Robbie Virgin.

Manager Rob Jerram said: “I’m pleased with the overall performance but we need to learn to play from the whistle to the whistle. We should have been alive from the start but took five minutes to get going. After that we could have put the game out of reach and failed to do so which was disappointing but we’ll learn from it and move on

“The substitutions effected the balance of the side but I had players I wanted to look at and I think I learned from that.”

 

 

Deeping Rangers U18 2 Spalding Athletic U18 2

 

DEEPING’S first match under the management of Rob Jerram and captaincy of Richard Pickering ended in a draw.

Rangers played some nice football with Matt Lincoln, Dean Thomas and Pickering all missing opportunities.

Rangers’ failure to score while on top was punished early in the second half when a Spalding forward outpaced center back Lewis Hall to latch on to a long ball and slot home.

The hosts leveled 15 minutes later from the penalty spot, Jamie Thurston slotting home following a trip.

Rangers then went ahead through Lincoln’s sharp finish and he should have added a couple more in the following minutes.

With Rangers seemingly on course for the win Nico Staffieri made a rash challenge in the box and Spalding slotted home to steal a draw.

Jerram said: “When you create as many chances as we did you should win a game of football but we’ll work on it in training. For a first match together we played well as a unit, particularly with one or two key men missing.”