Saturday 20 December 2008 - Deeping Rangers 4 St Neots 1

Rangers made it 3 wins in December with this clinilal display against mid table St Neots Town. St Neots played good passing football throughout and always looked dangerous going forward, but they were no match for the home side. Rangers took the lead on 10 minutes when Ryan Semple beat St Neots custodian Chris Adams for his 18th goal of the season. Five minutes later Semple turned provider when he fed the ball to Mark Baines. Baines beat Chris Adams to the ball and rounded the stranded keeper to slot into an empty net.On 25 minutes Baines set up his skipper Lee Ellison who blasted the ball in from 20 yards to make it 3 - 0. In the closing stages Ashley Stevens had a chance to put the game beyond the visitors when he beat the offside trap, and with only the keeper to beat his shot ricoched off the far post. St Neots were a revitalised team in the second half. Rangers seemed to go to sleep at the restart which let in Matt Kenneford to reduce the arrears. Both sides continued to play entertaining football and creating chances, with both keepers being busy. For any neutral fans in the ground this was a good game of football. One minute into stoppage time Ben Porter hit a pin point freekick onto the head of Lee Ellison who headed the ball passed the stranded Chris Adams to complete the scoring.

The vine Man of the Match was Mark Baines.

Deeping Rangers: Danny Bircham, David Burton Jones, David Cobb, Scott Bogusz, Matt Porter, Michael Goode, Ryan Semple (Ben Porter), Lee Ellison, Sam Bettinson (Liam Harrold), Ashley Stevens (David Cornell), Mark Baines. Subs unused: Andy Ellis, Tuncay Korkmaz.

Tuesday 9 December 2008 Blackstones 0 Deeping Rangers 3

Rangers thought they had taken the lead within the first 5 minutes, but the ball was adjudged to have gone through the side netting. A few minutes later Ash Stevens was pushed over in the Stones penalty area, but neither the referee or his linesman saw the incident. But from behind the goal it was very clear that it was a penalty. Rangers dominated the game throughout, although Blackstones looked dangerous on the attack. Ash Stevens was put through by Mark Baines on 20 minutes. He ran into the Stones box, and was one on one with the keeper. The keeper just managed to block the shot. The breakthrough came on 51 minutes when Rangers skipper Lee Ellison hit a looping shot over the Stones keeper and into the the net. Deeping were a better side in the second half and had Blackstones pinned back in their half for long periods. The second goal was scored by Ryan Semple when he hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net. Then came a scare for the visitors when Blackstones managed to get the ball behind the Rangers defence. Matt Porter was on hand to clear off the line with Bircham beaten. Blackstones nearly got a consolation when they were awarded a freekick 25 yards out. The kick was taken very well, and the Deeping defence could only watch as the ball crashed against the post.Substitute Ben Porter completed the scoring with 2 minutes remaining.

Deeping Rangers: Danny Bircham, David Burton-Jones, David Cobb, Scott Bogusz, Matt Porter,Michael Goode, Ryan Semple, Lee Ellison, Liam Harrold (Sam Bettinson), Ashley Stevens (Lewis Leckie), Mark Baines (Ben Porter). Subs unused: Wayne Oldaker, Tuncay Korkmaz.

Saturday 22 November - Deeping Rangers 1 Sleaford Town 1

This was 2 points lost for promotion chasing Rangers as they failed to play to their full potential against an impoving Sleaford side. Throughout the game the visitors looked hungrier than their hosts, and the Rangers players were guilty of giving the ball away to often. Deeping had the best chances early on, and should have taken the lead on 20 minutes when David Cobb ran into the Sleaford penalty area and played the ball into the feet of Mark Baines who put his shot wide of the far post with an empty net beckoning. A minute later Baines made amends when he set up Ryan Semple who crashed the ball into the bottom corner of the Sleaford net to give Rangers the lead. It was definitely a different Sleaford team than the one that Deeping had played earlier in the season, as they passed the ball around at their feet creating a number of chances and keeping Rangers custodian Danny Bircham busy throughout the game. They finally made a breakthrough just before half time. Sleaford were awarded a freekick on the edge of the Deeping penalty area. The free kick was taken quickly and seemed to catch the home side napping as the ball was whipped across goal for the onrunning Peter Sutton to stab home. With honours even the home fans expected their side to raise their game in the second half. There was early signs in the second half that Rangers could take all 3 points, as they put pressure on the visitors. On 48 minutes Deeping won a corner and the ball was whipped in to the head of Dave Cornell. He headeded the ball down towards the Sleaford goal but it was cleared off the line with the keeper beaten. On the hour good play from Semple allowed him to cross the ball to Liam Harrold who lept to head home from close range but failed to connect. With 5 minutes remaining Deeping had their best chance of the game. David Cobb beat the offside trap to outrun the Sleaford defence. He tried to round the advancing keeper but lost possession. Rangers had to settle for a draw on the day.

Deeping Rangers: Danny Bircham, David Cornell, Andy Ellis, Mark Baines (Scott Bogusz), Matt Porter, Michael Goode, Ryan Semple (Ben Porter), Lee Ellison, Sam Bettinson, Liam Harrold (David Burton Jones), David Cobb. Subs not used: Tuncay Korkmaz.

Saturday 1 November - Deeping Rangers 6 Desborough Town 1

What a memorable day for Deeping Rangers with their first team winning at home 6 - 1 and their Reserves winning away 8 - 0. At Outgang Road Tuncay Korkmaz played a new formation with David Cornell as a striker and Tunge in midfield. David Cornell, was a constant threat in the air with his heading prowess. The first half belonged to Rangers as they systematically tore the visitors apart. Liam Harrold opened the scoring, with his first Rangers goal, on 10 minutes when he picked the ball up wide, ran into the 18 yard box and placed the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Just after the half hour David Cornell claimed the first of his brace when he ran into the visitors penalty box unopposed and slotted the ball under the diving keeper for 2 - 0. A minute later Ryan Semple got on the score sheet to give Deeping a 3 - 0 lead. At this point it was one way traffic as Ar Tarn struggled to keep the claret and blue onslaught at bay. Cornell claimed his second just before half time, and Deeping went in at the break 4 - 0 up. Ar Tarn were better in the second half, and looked a threat going forward playing good football. Deeping made an early substitution taking off Liam Harrold and bringing on Sam Bettinson. Shortly after Semple danced around the the visitors defence, and his shot was parried by Tom Smith in the Ar Tarn goal. Semple was quickest to the second ball but shot into the side netting. Rangers then made another change. Scott Woods coming on for Tuncay Korkmaz. Danny Bircham then had to make his first real save of the game when he had to spread his body to block the ball when one on one. Desborough maintained the attack and the pressure soon paid off when Ben Geasley scored a consolation goal. Deeping then made another change with David Cobb being replaced by J P Duncliffe. This substitution changed the game with J P scoring to make it 5 - 1. In the closing minutes both sides had chances to score. First a Sam Bettinson header beat the Desborough keeper, but was cleared off the line by a defender. Then at the other end Danny Bircham had to leap and stretch to palm a thunderbolt freekick over the bar. Two minutes into stoppage time Mark Baines completed the scoring to give Rangers a deserves 6 - 1 win. His shot was deflected past the keeper and in to the net.

The match was sponsored by Breake Ltd Brickwork Contractors.

The Vine Man of the Match was Ryan Semple.

Deeping Rangers:Danny Bircham, David Burton Jones, Andy Ellis, Tuncay Korkmaz (Scott Woods), Matt Porter, Michael Goode, Ryan Semple, Mark Baines, Liam Harrold (Sam Bettinson), David Cornell, David Cobb (J P Duncliffe). Subs not used: Spencer Tinkler.

18 October - Deeping Rangers 2 Raunds Town 0

Rangers extended their unbeaten run to 10 games with this win over the Shopmates to go 9 points clear at the top of the Eagle Bitter United Counties League Premier Division. The match was sponsored by The Vine, Church Street, Market Deeping and started with Kelvin Neal presenting he ball. It was a lacklustre game with Rangers not playing at their best. Raunds on the other hand played good passing football, but were lacking in the last 1/3 of the pitch. Danny Bircham in the Deeping goal did not have a save to make all game. Rangers took the lead on 28 minutes when they won a corner. The ball was flicked on by Sam Bettinson to Ashley Stevens who controlled the ball before placing it in the back of the net. Very few chances were created throughout the game with the next real goal scoring opportunity occuring after 65 minutes when Ryan Semple hit the Raunds goal post. Half hour later Semple got on the score sheet from a narrow angle.

The Vine Man of the Match - Michael Goode.

Deeping Rangers: Danny Bircham, David Burton Jones, Andy Ellis, Mark Baines, Matt Porter, Michael Goode, Ryan Semple, Lee Ellison, Sam Bettinson (Scott Woods) Ashley Stevens (Lewis Leckie), J P Duncliffe. Subs not used: David Cobb, Tuncay Korkmaz.

14 October - Yaxley 1 Deeping Rangers 3

This was a far better game at Leading Drove, than the dour draw that these two teams fought out at Outgang Road earlier in the season. On this occasion both teams played for a win, and which left gaps at the back in the Yaxley defence and Rangers punished them. Deeping dominated the game from the start and should have scored early on when Weston played the ball to Semple on the Yaxley bye line. Semple cut inside and passed across goal to Ash Stevens but he shot over. Shortly after Rangers won a corner from which Sam Bettinson hit the bar with his header, and the ball bounced down onto the line and away to safety. The visitors made the breakthrough on 25 minutes when Semple chipped into the Cuckoos penalty area for Lee Ellison to head home. On the half hour Ashley Stevens doubled the lead. Deeping were in full flow at this point creating chance after chance, but John Feetham in the Cuckoos goal was in fine form. Yaxley made a counter attack on the stroke of half time and Liam Harrold popped up to slam the ball home to make it 1 - 2 at half time. The watching fans were expecting a Yaxley onslaught when the game resumed but this did not happen. Throughout the half Rangers continued to pour forward, and there was only ever going to be one winner. Early in the second half Deeping won a freekick deep in the Yaxley half. Semple swung the ball into the box and several players rose to head home but nobody made contact. Rangers then made a substitution taking off the injured David Cobb and bringing on Mark Baines.He was soon in the thick of things and his first chance was pushed against the near post by Feetham and out for a corner. The resulting corner kick was headed over. It was only a matter of time before Deeping extended their lead and with 10 minutes remaining Semple slammed an unstoppable thunderbolt into the back of the net. Deeping still poured forward, and Feetham was called upon to make a double save from Ash Stevens from a narrow angle.The excitement had not finished there, as Lowndes had to make a save at the other end, before Feetham spilled a Baines shot. Stevens pounced on the loose ball but shot into the side netting. Deeping ran out worthy winners 1 - 3 to continue their good start to the League campaign.

Deeping Rangers: Jamie Lowndes, David Burton Jones, Andy Ellis, Adam Weston, Matt Porter, Michael Goode, Ryan Semple, Lee Ellison (Dave Cornell), Sam Bettinson (J P Duncliffe), Ashley Stevens, David Cobb (Mark Baines).Subs not used: Lewis Leckie

11 October - Deeping Rangers 5 Rothwell Corinthians 2

Rangers completed the double over Corinthians in style with this convincing win at Outgang Road. Deeping were dominant from start to finish and took the lead early on when Ryan Semple fed the ball through to Ashley Stevens who made no mistake from close range side footing the ball into the net. Stevens doubled his tally on the quarter hour when a mistake by Corinthians keeper Tom Cross found himslf stranded in no mans land for Ash to slot into an empty net. Cross made another howler 3 minutes later when he was dispossessed by Semple who set up Ellison to score number 3. Rangers were flying at this point with the visitors rarely getting out of their half. Half time arrived with Rangers 3 - 0 up although it should have been double that. The second half started as the first half had ended with Deeping on the attack. An early shot hit the post and rebounded to Semple who made no mistake with the second ball. With Rangers 4 - 0 up the management decided to make changes, taking Ash Stevens off and introducing Scott Woods, and then taking off David Cobb and giving J P Duncliffe a run out. This enabled Andy Ellis to move up front as a striker. Ellis was soon causing problems for the Corinthian defence causing Cross to make a fine save and then seeing his second effort cleared off the line. It was then decided to give Lewis Leckie his first team debut when he replaced Sam Bettinson. Shortly after it was Rangers cutodian Danny Bircham's turn to make a rare mistake when he leapt for the ball at the same time as a Corinthians player and accidentally threw the ball into his own net. This seemed to give the visitors new hope as they pressed forward looking to get something from the game. Their second goal came when Tony Ielapi headed over the leaping Bircham and into the net. Rangers responded by forcing Corinthians back into their half, and debutant Leckie made a claim for a regular first team slot by scoring Rangers 5th,

The match was sponsored by Market Deeping Branch of the Norwich and Peterborough Building Society. Man of the match sponsored by The Vine, Church Street, Market Deeping was Andy Ellis.

Deeping Rangers: Danny Bircham, David Burton Jones,Andy Ellis, Adam Weston, Matt Porter, Michael Goode, Sam Bettinson (Lewis Leckie), Ashley Stevens (Scott Woods), David Cobb (J P Duncliffe) Lee Ellison. Ryan Semple Subs not used Tuncay Korkmaz.

4 October - Deeping Rangers 1 Long Buckby 1

This game between first and second in the league was sponsored by Emma and Stephen Pearce of K.N.H. MOT and Service Centre, Market Deeping and their son Harrison was mascot for the day. If you had offered the Rangers fans a draw before the game, against the second placed team to maintain the status quo, they would have accepted it. Having watched the match it was 2 points lost as Deeping had the chances to win in the second half. But a draw was a better result for Rangers than it was for the Bucks as they remain 4 points clear at the top of the League. Rangers started the game playing against the strong wind, which made things difficult for the hosts, and consequently for large periods of the first half they found themselves pinned back in their own half. However they defended well and looked dangerous going forward with the ball at their feet. The second half was a reversal of the first as Rangers took advantage of the strong wind. Straight from the restart Deeping were on the attack. Sam Bettinson played in Ash Stevens who beat the offside trap to go one on one with Farhad Afandiyev in the Bucks goal. The visiting keeper did just enough, and Stevens put his shot wide. From the goal kick Long Buckby were on the attack, and won a freekick in the Rangers half. The ball was whipped into the box and Ross Dunkley reacted quickest to head the ball past Danny Bircham and give the Bucks the lead. Ten minutes later Ryan Semple latched onto a long range shot which took a slight deflection passed the Bucks keeper to resore parity. At this point Deeping were in full flow and 4 minutes later an Ash Stevens header was in the net but ruled out for offside. David Cobb then hit the Bucks goal bar with the keeper beaten, and later saw another shot spilled by the keeper who manage to stop the ball on the line and hold it at the second attempt. Rangers could not quite make the breakthrough needed and eventually had to settle for one point.

The Vine Man of the Match sponsored by the Vine Market Deeping was Sam Bettinson

Deeping Rangers: Danny Bircham, David Buton Jones, Andy Ellis, Mark Baines, Matt Porter, Michael Goode, Ryan Semple, Lee Ellison, Sam Bettinson, Ashley Stevens (Adam Weston), David Cobb. Subs not used: J P Duncliffe, Ben Porter, Tuncay Korkmaz.

1 October Deeping Rangers 1 Holbeach United 0

Rangers extended their lead at the top of the UCL Premier Division with this comprehensive win over Holbeach United. Right from the start Deeping showed their credentials by creating chances, and should have gone ahead after 10 minutes when Lee Ellison missed an open goal. The home fans did not have to wait much longer for their team Captain to make amends. Ashley Stevens was brought down by the Holbeach keeper who to everybodies suprise only received a yellow card. The referee pointed to the penalty spot and Lee Ellison stepped up to dispatch the ball. With only half hour gone the referee made another bizaar decision when he dismissed Ash Stevens for a late tackle. The watching fans were all expecting a yellow card not a straight red. For the remaining 15 minutes of the first half the visitors piled on the pressure and had Deeping pinned back into their half as they looked to make the extra man count. Rangers however defended resolutely to go in at half time with their lead intact. After the break Holbeach seemed to go off the boil, and the Deeping players took the game to the visitors. The home goal was not really threatened until the 90th minute when Danny Bircham was called upon to make a great save with his feet.

The Vine Man of the Match Michael Goode.

The match Sponsor was Breake Ltd and Deeping Rangers would like to thank Paul Winston for his continued support.

Deeping Rangers: Danny Bircham, David Burton Jones, Andy Ellis, Mark Baines, Matt Porter, Michael Goode, Ryan Semple (Adam Weston), Lee Ellison, Sam Bettinson, Ashley Stevens, David Cobb (J P Duncliffe). Subs not used: Lewis Leckie, Tuncay Korkmaz.

23rd September - Sleaford Town 0 Deeping Rangers 5

Rangers moved to the top of the Eagle Bitter United Counties League Premier Division with this clinical demolition of near neighbours Sleaford Town at Eslaforde Park. Hero of the night was Ryan Semple with his first goal being a free kick which he rifled into the top of the Sleaford net after just 4 minutes, giving Andrew Scott no chance in the Sleaford goal. The next goal came 10 minutes later when the ball rebounded off a Sleaford defender straight to Semple's feet. Rangers were now in full flow with the Sleaford defence in disarray. Ashley Stevens should have scored a brace just before half time. First the ball flashed across goal but Steven's outstreched foot did not make connection with the goal gaping. Just before the final whistle he had his best chance, when he tried to round the Sleaford keeper, but failed to control the ball and it ran out for a goal kick. Sleaford were a better side at the start of the second half and seemed to be rejuvenated. Ash Stevens had the ball in the net early on but the goal was disallowed for offside. Semple then completed his hat trick before Mark Baines set up Ashley Stevens who saw his header well saved by Andrew Scott. Shortly after Sam Bettinson was brought down, and Semple scored his 4th from the resulting freekick. the game was now over as a competition and Deeping were running riot. The scoring was completed on 80 minutes when Ryan Semple scored his 5th of the night.

Deeping Rangers: Jamie Lowndes, Dave Burton-Jones, Andy Ellis, Adam Weston ( J P Duncliffe), Matt Porter, Michael Goode, Ryan Semple (Scott Woods), Lee Ellison, Sam Bettinson, Ashley Stevens (David Cobb), Mark Baines. Subs not used: Danny Bircham, Tuncay Korkaz

9th September 2008 - Deeping Rangers 5 Boston Town 2

Deeping Rangers returned to winning ways with this convincing demolition of near neighbours Boston Town. Rangers played good passing football and looked like a team that wanted to win and bounce back from their recent run of poor results. It was the visitors that scored first when Mark Foster was gifted a goal after 25 minutes, and while Rangers edged the first half they could not make a break through. In the second half. Deeping stepped up a gear, and proceeded to put Boston to the sword. The first Rangers goal came on 47 minutes when Ash Stevens turned in the box to rifle past the Boston keeper from close quarters. Ten minutes later Stevens scored his second goal before Rangers had a penalty appeal turned down. At this point Deeping were playing the best football they have played this season with wave after wave of claret and blue forcing Boston to defend deep in their half. Stevens completetd his hat trick in 18 minutes when Ryan Semple played a good ball in for Ash to finish off. Andy Ellis was then adjudged to have fouled in the Rangers box, and Gary Bull converted from the spot to reduce the deficite. Then followed a period of Boston pressure when they sensed they may get an equaliser, and Deeping were on the offensive, but they continued to clear their lines. On 77 minutes Tunge made his first substitution taking off Mark Baines and bringing on Andy Boome. This made an immediate difference and Rangers had another penalty appeal turned down. A minute later Stevens grabbed his 4th when he headed home from close range. Boston were now in total disarray, and the game was over as a contest, but Rangers were not finished, and on 82 minutes Lee Ellison hit a fantastic strike from the edge of the 18 yard box to make it 5 - 2. With 5 minutes remaining Stevens was taken off to make way for the returning David Cobb who was straight in to the thick of things even though he is recovering from an injury. With the final whistle Rangers had exhorsised their ghosts of previous weeks and put their season back on track.

The game was sponsored by Rangers stalwart Roy Robinson.

The Vine Man of the match was Ash Stevens.

Deeping Rangers: Danny Bitcham, J P Duncliffe, Andy Ellis, Adam Weston, Matt Porter, Michael Goode, Ryan Semple, Lee Ellison, Sam Bettinson, Ashley Stevens (David Cobb), Mark Baines (Andy Boome). Subs not used: Mark Kingston, Lewis Leckie.

6th Seplember - 2008 F A Vase Gorleston 2 Deeping Rangers 0

So ended a miserable week for Deeping Rangers First Team which saw them go out of 3 cups in the space of one week. Including 2 defeats to lower league opposition. Rangers do not seem to do well on their trips to Norfolk and this was no exception. Deeping had 2 shots on goal before Gorleston took the lead in the 8th minute, sliding the ball just inside the right hand post with Danny Bircham diving full length. Following this Deeping upped the ante, and throughout the first half they were the better team creating more chances than their hosts. On the quarter hour Mark Baines played a good ball into the Gorlston box for the waiting Ashley Stevens, but the Gorleston custodian Tom Marsden quickly intercepted the ball. Five minutes later Bircham was called upon to keep his side in the game making a fine save low to his right. The rebound was blasted in but the assistants flag was up. Action then went to the other end when Mark Baines saw his shot from 25 yards turned round the post by Marsden. Just before half time Rangers had a penalty appeal turned down. Following a Deeping corner the ball was headed goalwards and appeared to hit a Gorlston players hand. The appeals fell on deaf ears. There was still time for one more Deeping attack. J P Duncliffe chipped the ball into the Gorlston box for Ashley Stevens to head into the back of the net, but he was denide a goal by the assistant referee. The second half was delayed by 8 minutes as one of the assistant referees was unable to continue. Eventually another referee was found in the ground and the game restarted. Rangers were soon on the attack taking the game to their hosts, but Gorleston soon created a chance at the other end forcing Bircham to make a brilliant double save when one on one. On 65 minutes Gorleston were reduced to 10 men following a vicious tackle on Scott Woods. The Gorleston player receiving his second yellow of the game. From then on Rangers tried to break the Gorleston defence down with the man advantage, but withour success. Soon after Korkmaz made a change taking off Duncliffe and introducing Andy Ellis, and playing 3 at the back. This gave a more attacking look to the side. Even though Deeping hit the bar twice during the second half they could not get the ball into the net, and on 80 minutes Gorleston doubled their lead to progress to the next round of the F A Vase.

Deeping Rangers: Danny Bircham, J P Duncliffe (Andy Ellis), Scott Woods, Adam Weston (Andy Boome), Matt Porter, Michael Goode, Ryan Semple, Lee Ellison, Mark Baines, Ashley Stevens, Mark Kingston (Dave Burton-Jones). subs not used: Leckie, Korkmaz.

23 August 2008 - Deeping Rangers 2 Daventry Town 5

This match ball for this game was sponsored by Julie Bowell to celebrate her birthday, although the result went the wrong way. Rangers were well beaten by newcomers Daventry Town. The visitors played good passing football throughout, and were quicker to the ball and moved well off the ball.The Deeping defence could not cope with the fast slick passing as Daventry poured forward. Daventry went ahead as early as 5 minutes when their no 10 Danny Nelson hit a big looping chip which just slipped under the bar to leave Rangers custodian Danny Bircham stranded. Bircham was called upon time and again to rescue his side athletically diving first one way then the other to keep the ball out of the net. Just after the half hour Rangers equalised with an Ash Stevens header following good build up play. Equalibrium was to be short lived as Daventry hit back immediately winning a corner at the other end. John Cullen was given yards of room as he took advantage of a free header to restore Daventry's lead. The game was effectively over as a contest when Danny Nelson claimed his second 5 minutes from the break. Rangers made a change at half time taking off Mark Baines and introducing Mark Kingston. This change did not slow the onslaught and on 51 minutes Nelson completed his hat trick. Both sides continued to make changes throughout the second half, and Rangers did pull one back when Ash Stevens scored his second 13 minutes from time. Daventry wrapped up the scoring on 82 minutes to inflict the worst defeat on Rangers since Tunge took over as Manager.

The Vine Man of the Match for Deeping Rangers was Ashley Stevens

Deeping Rangers:Danny Bircham, David Burton Jones, Andy Ellis, Adam Weston, David Cornell, Matt Porter (Michael Goode),Ryan Semple ( Andy Boome), Sam Bettinson, Ashley Stevens, Mark Baines (Mark Kingston). Subs not used: Lewiis Leckie, Tuncay Korkmaz.

19 August 2008 - Bourne Town 0 Deeping Rangers 2

These two local rivals met for the third time in a month with Deeping having won the previous two meetings. From the start Rangers were on the attack and Mark Baines should have put the visitors ahead as early as the second minute. Bourne then put Deeping under pressure until the 10th minute when Danny Matson blasted the ball into the Bourne net, and from then on it was all Deeping for the first half. Bellairs was in outstanding form in the Bourne goal as he repelled wave after wave of Rangers attacks. First he denied Bettinson then Matson and then Semple as the Deeping strike force caused havoc in the Wakes defence. On the half hour Rangers won a penalty for a push in the box. The spot kick was dispatched by the Deeping captain Lee Ellison for No 2. Deeping continued to pour forward carving out chances until half time, but could not bereak through. In the second half Deeping were not so potent, although they continued to cause problems for the Bourne defence. Although they created half chancesd they could not add to their tally.

Deeping Rangers: Danny Bircham, David Burton Jones, Michael Goode, Adam Weston, David Cornell, Matt Porter., Ryan Semple, Lee Ellison, Sam Bettinson, Danny Matson (Ashley Stevens), Mark Baines (Andy Boome).

16 August 2008 - Deeping Rangers 3 Bourne Town 0

Rangers continued their good start to the new campaign with this emphatic win over their near neighbours in this FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round. The game was sponsored by Tancreds Ltd of Market Deeping, and other guests on the day were Market Deeping Town Mayor Pauline Redshaw and her consort Bob Redshaw. It was a different Wakes side to the one that played Rangers earlier in the season in the Lincolnshire Free Press Trophy, and Deeping also played a changed side with Mark Baines playing up front as a striker.Rangers were soon on the attack and quickly stamped their authority on the game, winning all the early exchanges. As early as 15 minutes Ryan Semple should have put the home side in front when he hit the bar from close range. Three minutes later Semple crossed the ball for Danny Matson who got his head to the ball but could not connect propoerly. Deeping continued to pour forward during the first half, and Matson was again soon causing the Wakes defence problems but put the ball into the side netting. Matson was not to be denied though, and just after the half hour the fans thought he had put Rangers ahead only to see the assistant referee raise his flag.Five minutes later Ryan Semple played a through ball into the Bourne penalty area. Danny Matson raced forward to try to latch onto a 50/50 ball with the Bourne keeper, and rounded his opponant to slot the ball into the net. Rangers were on their way. In the second half Rangers continued to dominate and on 66 minutes Matson doubled his tally following good build up play from his team mates. The second half then sprang alive and 2 minutes later Matson turned provider as Deeping tore the Bourne defence apart. He passed the ball across goal to Sam Bettinson but his header came off the outside of the post, and the follow up shot was just wide.Rangers made a double substitution on 70 minutes bringing on Andy Boome and Ashley Stevens in place of Adam Weston and Sam Bettinson.Ten minutes later they made another substitution with Mark Kingston replacing Ryan Semple. This substitution was crucial and soon after two substitutes combined, when Kingston set up Boome to complete the scoring. 3 - 0.

The Vine Man of the Match Danny Matson.

Deeping Rangers: Danny Bircham, David Burton-Jones, Andy Ellis, Adam Weston (Andy Boome), Dave Cornell, Matt Porter, Ryan Semple ( Mark Kingston), Lee Elliosn, Sam Bettinson ( Ashley Stevens), Danny Matson, Mark Baines.Subs not used: J P Duncliffe.

9 August 2008 - Rothwell Corinthians 0 Deeping Rangers 5

Rangers had a great start to their League campaign on a rainy day with a convincing win over newly promoted Rothwell Corinthians. Deeping opened the scoring on 5 minutes when David Cobb, who has been superb in pre-season, crossed for Ashley Stevens to stab home. On 21 minutes a Cobb free kick was headed back from the near post by Lee Ellison for Dave Cornell to smash in to double the score. Rangers were still not finished in the first half, and with 5 minutes remaining till the break they scored their 3rd. A fluent move saw Cobb smash a right footed shot into the net from the edge of the box. The second half started dourly but came alive on 66 minutes. A Rangers corner ball was worked out to the left hand side. When inside the Corinthians penalty box Lee Ellison drove the ball goalwards, and a deflection off a defender saw the ball go into the net. The scoring was completed with 5 minutes remaining. Following a clearance by Rothwell, an Adam Weston header was played to skipper Lee Ellison. Ellison put ex Lincoln winger Ryan Semple through to beat the Corinthians keeper.