With Yaxley, Holbeach and Eynesbury all winning plus Newport Pagnell and Wisbech sharing 4 goals between them, it was vitally important that Rangers won to keep intact with those around them.

Despite missing captain David Burton Jones and Louis Hamilton through suspension along with goalkeeper Richard Stainsby, who is away in Africa, Deeping were well worth their win with deputising keeper Danny Bircham rarely troubled throughout the 90 minutes.

Luke Hunnings had an early header cleared off the line before fellow centre back Chris Hollist lashed home his first goal for the club from a partially cleared corner after 17 minutes.

Although Deeping had much of the possession, clear cut chances were at a premium and Rangers had to be content with only the one goal advantage at half time.

The second half began brightly and within 11 minutes of the restart Rangers, or more precisely Scott Coupland, had put the game to bed. The prolific striker scored twice in 4 minutes with the second being particularly pleasing on the eye - a delightfully intricate passage of play starting just inside the Whitworths half ending with Coupland touching the ball over the advancing keeper and into the net.

From then on, it was a case of Goodey's men managing the game until the final whistle which they did without any trouble.

Further cause for celebration was the welcome return from injury of Jonny Clay when he replaced Chris Hollist early in the second half. New signing Sam Hollis was also introduced to the Outgang Road faithful in the second half while promising youngster Rob Conyard continues to make the transition from U18 football to the senior ranks with another substitute appearance.

The slightly disappointing crowd of 80, will have left The Haydon Whitham Stadium in good spirits and eager for our next home game on Saturday 3rd March when Rangers play host to an in-form ON Chenecks. Kick off will be 3.00 pm. Our next game is an away day to Leicester St Andrews, next Saturday.

Today's Man of the Match was stand in skipper, Dan Flack.